Dives are described by their full name (e.g. reverse 3 1/2 somersault with 1/2 twist) or by their numerical identification (e.g. 5371D), or “dive number.” Twisting dives utilize four numerical digits, while all other dives use three. Specific dive numbers are not random — they are created by using these guidelines:

1. All dives are identified by three or four digits and one letter.
2. The first digit indicates the dive’s group: 1 = forward, 2 = back, 3 = reverse, 4 = inward, 5 = twisting, 6 = armstand
3. In front, back, reverse and inward dives, a 1 as the second digit indicates a flying action. A ‘0’ indicates none. In twisting and armstand dives, the second digit indicates the dive’s group (forward, back, reverse).
4. The third digit indicates the number of half somersaults.
5. The fourth digit, if applicable, indicates the number of half twists.
6. The letter indicates body position: A = straight, B = pike, C = tuck, D = free.

Examples:

107B = Forward dive with 3 1/2 somersaults in a pike position

305C = Reverse dive with 2 1/2 somersaults in a tuck position

5253B = Back dive with 2 1/2 somersaults and 1 1/2 twists in a pike position