Mastering the Front 1½ Pike (103B): From Beginner to Expert-Level Technique

 

The front 1½ pike (103B) is a big stepping stone in every diver’s progression. It demands balance, posture, and precision — and small mistakes can throw everything off. In this guide, I’ll take you through the most common errors I see at each stage of this dive, and show you how to fix them as you grow into a cleaner, more controlled 103B.

Working on your diving skills off the board too? I use SwimOutlet.com for all my suits and some of my favorite training tools — linked below.

Most Common Mistakes in Beginner Front 1½ Pikes

These issues show up early and often — but they’re fixable with reps and attention to form.

1. Leaning Forward Too Soon

A forward lean on takeoff causes the dive to travel out too far and limits your height. This is often caused by a foot that lands too far behind the planted leg during the hurdle.

Diver Guy’s Tip: Keep your chest tall and your gaze up. Let the board do the work of getting you out — you just need to go up.

2. Big, Loose Pike on the Kickout

New divers often open up the pike too early or too wide, which leads to flat entries and splashes.

Diver Guy’s Tip: Work on keeping a tight pike all the way through the kickout. A tighter pike gives you more control over your rotation and entry. Practice it on dryland using hamstring stretch tools or yoga blocks.

3. Closing Underneath (Instead of Lateral)

Closing your arms under your legs instead of to the side can cause your back to arch — making it harder to control your entry.

Diver Guy’s Tip: Think “arms out wide” like you're drawing wings. A lateral close keeps your core tight and gives you a straighter entry line.

What to Watch As You Progress (With Video Breakdown)

Watch the full dive progression here:

As you move from beginner to advanced, here’s what changes in a strong 103B:

Beginner Level:

  • Big lean on takeoff

  • Arms never reach 12 o’clock

  • Loose or high pike grab (around the ankles)

  • Lack of core control on kickout

  • Entries that “wash over” or splash out

Intermediate Level:

  • Better board use, stronger arm circles

  • Pike becomes tighter, but still opens early

  • Lean is still present but reduced

  • Closing starts to shift from under to lateral

  • Pike saves and swimming technique begin to show

Advanced & D1-Level:

  • Minimal lean, tall chest throughout takeoff

  • Full extension off the board with strong posture

  • Tight pike held longer in the air

  • Lateral close with arms out to the side

  • Clear phases: takeoff → flight → entry

  • Rip entries become repeatable

Final Takeaways: How to Clean Up Your 103B

Here’s your checklist for making real progress:

  • Get rid of the forward lean — land your hurdle closer to the edge

  • Arms to 12 o’clock before throwing

  • Keep a tighter pike all the way through the kickout

  • Close laterally, not underneath your body

  • Pike save earlier and swim to the side if you’re drifting over

  • Build core control — tighter flips mean better entries

If you’re working on 103B or building up to front 2½, I offer virtual coaching for divers at all levels.

Send in your video and I’ll send back drills, technique corrections, and coaching voiceovers.

👉 Click here to learn more about virtual coaching

Let me know if you have questions, or if you want me to break down another dive next. I answer every message.

See you in the next video!
- DG

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