1 : a dive (as into water or in coasting prone on a sled) in which the front of the body strikes flat against another surface. — called also belly flopper. 2 : a complete and often painful or embarrassing failure : flop …

What causes a belly flop?

Simple physics holds that the larger the surface area of the body hitting the water, the larger the resistance force of the water pushing back will be. When your body falls flat on the water from a distance with a bit of speed, it creates a big impact that can feel a bit like falling on concrete.

Is a belly flop a dive?

A belly flop is a dive in which the front of the body hits flat against the surface of water.