Strength is very important for a diver – but raw force production is of limited use. Diving is an acrobatic and aesthetic sport; an athlete needs to be strong enough to produce rotation (harder for a heavier, bulkier body) and do it beautifully.
For this reason, ‘traditional’ Strength & Conditioning is done in conjunction with ‘acrobatic’ S&C – a type of gymnastics training that emphasises speed, form and beauty.
S&C training has to be balanced against the needs of the sport – when is ‘strong enough?’ In terms of performance, we aim to help the athlete, coach and support team understand the gap between physical condition and the needs of a specific dive or event. The individual’s plan is then tailored to close that gap.