In addition to the high level of skill required to be a diver, to be a successful you need good balance, coordination, flexibility and power! However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for diving, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a diver.
You Need to be Flexible
We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in diving. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factor that is considered the most important by the readers of this site is flexibility. Balance and coordination was scored well. You can add your vote too.
Do You Need to be Aerobically Fit?
In a similar poll to above, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for the sport of diving, and the most important according to them is surprisingly aerobic endurance. The obvious answer, flexibility, was not far behind. You can also add your ratings of "Which Factors Make Successful diving Players?".
Most Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)
- Aerobic Endurance
- Flexibility, Motivation & Self Confidence.
- Body Size and Composition, Coping with Pressure Situations.
- Strength & Power, Agility, Balance & Coordination, Reaction Time, Skill and Technique.
- Speed / Quickness.
- Analytic & Tactical Ability.
Are You an Expert?
I have found that asking all site visitors for their opinion, while it is interesting, does not always lead to accurate results. We want to know what the experts think. If you consider yourself an expert in diving, go here to add your opinion.