1. Faculty of sport and physical education
Topic:
Synchronized swimming
Professor: Gordana Vekaric
Student: Ljustina Duska 4042/2014
2. Introduction
Synchronized swimming - definition
This sport demands:
- Advanced water skills,
- Great strength,
- Endurance,
- Flexibility,
- Grace,
- Artistry and precise timing,
- Exceptional breath control when upside down underwater
3. Competitors show off their:
- Strength,
- Flexibility,
- Aerobic endurance required to perform difficult routines.
Swimmers perform two routines for the judges (one technical and
one free, as well as age group routines and figures)
It is both an individual and team sport.
Swimmers compete individually during figures, and then as a team
during the routine.
4. History
At the turn of the 20th century, synchronized swimming was known
as water ballet.
The first recorded competition was in 1891 in Berlin, Germany.
Many swim clubs were formed around that time.
The sport simultaneously developed in Canada.
In 1907, Australian Annette Kellerman popularized the sport
She performed in a glass tank as an underwater ballerina
5. Basic skills
Sculls
- hand movements used to propel the body
- the most essential part to synchronized swimming
Commonly used sculls include:
support scull, stationary scull, propeller scull, alligator scull, torpedo
scull, split-arm scull, barrel scull, and paddle scull.
The support scull is used most often to support the body while a
swimmer is performing upside down.
The resulting pressure against the hands allows the swimmer to hold
their legs above water while swimming.
6. Eggbeater
It is a form of treading water that allows for stability and height
above the water while leaving the hands free to perform strokes.
An average eggbeater height is usually around chest level.
It is used in all "arm" sections.
Another variation is a boost.
This is executed through an eggbeater buildup and a strong whip
kick, propelling the swimmer out of the water vertically.
7. Lifts
They are quite common in routines of older age groups and higher
skill levels.
There are many variations on lifts.
These can include: partner lifts, float patterns or other areas
Parts of a successful lift
Three parts to every lift in synchronized swimming:
- The top (or "flyer"),
- The base,
- And the pushers.
8. Types of lifts
The Platform Lift - oldest form.
The Stack Lift - a more modern version of the platform.
A Throw Lift.
9.
10. Positions
There are hundreds of different regular positions.
These are a few basic and commonly used ones:
- Back Layout - Crane
- Front Layout - Bent Knee
- Sailboat - Split position
- Ballet Leg - Knight
- Flamingo - Side Fishtail
- Vertical
11.
12. Routine
Routines are composed of "figures" (leg movements) and arm or
stroke sections.
They often incorporate lifts or throws, an impressive move in which
a group of swimmers lift or throw another swimmer out of the
water.
During a routine swimmers can never use the bottom of the pool
for suppor.
After the performance, the swimmers are judged and scored on their
performance based on technical merit and artistic impression.
13. Technical vs. free routines
The technical routine acts as a replacement for the figure event.
It is usually used only in senior and collegiate level meets.
In addition to the technical routine, the swimmers will perform a
longer "free" routine.
14. Length of routines
The type of routine and competition level determines the length of
routines.
Routines typically last two and a half to five minutes long.
The shortest being solos, with length added as the number of
swimmers are increased.
Age and skill level are other important factors in determining the
required routine length.
15. Preparation
Competitors wear a rubber noseclip to keep water from entering
their nose when submerged.
Some swimmers wear ear-plugs to keep the water out of their ears.
Hair is worn in a bun and flavorless gelatin is applied to keep hair in
place.
A decorative headpiece is bobby-pinned to the bun.
16. Competitors wear custom swimsuits and headpieces.
The costume and music are not judged but factor into the overall
performance and "artistic impression.“
Heavy eye makeup is often worn to help portray the emotions involved
with the routine.
Underwater speakers ensure that swimmers can hear the music.
Routines are prepared and set to counts in the music, to further ensure
synchronization.
Goggles, though worn during practice, are not permitted during routine
competition.
17. Figures
A standard meet begins with the swimmers doing "figures“.
All swimmers must compete wearing:
- The standard black swimsuit and white swimcap,
- Goggles
- And a noseclip.
Figures are performed in front of a panel of 5 judges who score
individual swimmers from 1 to 10.
The figure competition prefaces the routine events.
