Increasing Functional Variability in the Preparatory Phase of the Takeoff Improves Elite Springboard Diving Performance

Previous research demonstrating that specific performance outcome goals can be achieved in different ways is functionally significant for springboard divers whose performance environment can vary extensively. This body of work raises questions about the traditional approach of balking (terminating the takeoff) by elite divers aiming to perform only identical, invariant movement patterns during practice.A 12-week training program (2 times per...