Back Dive
The back dive is always an interesting swimming feat. It brings into play considerable gymnastic ability, but, on account of the confidence the performer has as to the certainty that the water will not hurt him much, barring a slight sting to the flesh, should he come down flat on his back, it does not require so much courage, in attempting the first trial, as tumbling on land, in which the back dive may be in a measure likened. While it is possible to make a good back dive from a rigid base, it can be more artistically made from the springing board. The diver stands erect, with his back towards the water. The hands are first held down to and close by the side. The person stands on the edge of the pool on the diving board, resting on the toes alone, the rest of the feet extended over the water. At the movement of making the spring, the diver lowers the body by bending the knees, while at the same time he extends his arms back of the body and then by a quick and sudden movement brings them forward, simultaneously with throwing the head back and entering the water very much the same as the forward dive. When properly done, the back dive is a beautiful method of entering the water.