Reverse 3.5 Somersault Tuck

It is a highly difficult platform dive where the diver takes off facing forward but rotates backward three-and-a-half times in a tucked position. The diver then enters the water headfirst. This combination of forward momentum and backward rotation makes it notoriously risky.

The degree of difficulty (DD) for a reverse 3.5 tuck off the 10-meter platform is exceptionally high, typically rated at 3.2 or higher under World Aquatics rules. This makes it one of the highest-scoring dives available to competitors. Elite divers often use it as their 'big' dive to secure a podium spot.

In the official World Aquatics diving code, the Reverse 3.5 Somersault Tuck is designated as dive number 5337D. The '5' indicates a reverse category, the second '3' denotes the number of half somersaults, and 'D' stands for the tuck position. Judges and scoreboards use this exact code during competitions.

The primary danger stems from the diver's rotation moving toward the platform; if they take off poorly, they risk hitting their head or limbs on the concrete structure. Furthermore, the massive rotational speed required for three and a half flips makes it difficult to spot the water for a safe entry. Even elite divers at the Olympics occasionally 'belly flop' if the timing is slightly off.