synchronized swimming synchronized swimming is a kind

synchronized swimming

synchronized swimming is a kind of water sport which is related to performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music

routines often involve lifts or throws and impressive moves in which a group of swimmers lift or throw another swimmer out of the water.

at first… only men were engaged in "the water ballet» . but….

…nowadays men need not apply olympic and world championship competition allow female competitors only, but other international and national competitions are open to men.

Sometimes it is hard to control moves and breath when upside down underwater. The rubber noseclips keep water from entering swimmers' lungs, it lets competitors to be underwater for a long time. Some swimmers wear ear-plugs to keep the water out of their ears. The underwater speakers are very important. They let swimmers to hear music clear underwater.

ballet, no more. synchro began as “water ballet” in the late 19 th century.

synchronized swimming has been included in the olympic games since 1984. there are two sets of olympic awards – for the duet and the team competition.

cover up no string bikinis or tankinis allowed. fina (the international aquatics federation) rules require that swimsuits be of “good moral taste”

no touching! the pool bottom is off-limits during performances. instead, synchro swimmers must continuously tread water in an eggbeater fashion to free up the arms and make the illusion that they are comfortably standing. touching the bottom results in a two point deduction.

check out the deck! before every free routine, swimmers have ten seconds for deckwork, or the choreographed movements that unfold poolside before the athletes elegantly enter the water.

technical routine ü technical routine in synchronized swimming has hard requirements. • necessary elements of routine are determined every 4 years by the synchronized swimming technical committee. for performing every element of routine a duet has only 20 seconds and a team only 50. •

free routine usually lasts 4 minutes for duets and 5 minutes for teams.

ten judges, 100 points possible. the smallest mark is 0, 1(half a) point, the biggest is 10. there are two groups of judges in jury - 5 judges in each. one group appreciate technical skills, another - artistry. the judges are seated on the both side of pool.

technical skills The judges estimate 3 components of routine - correct moves, synchronism and complexity level. Competitors have to be deep underwater, their moves have to be flexible, steady and correct from the beginning to the end. All swimmers in a group have to change position, push off, move their parts of body and shift synchronously.

Artistry It is sensuality of performing, patterns, expression, and "artistic impression", choreography. Also moves have to correspond the music.

positions vertical position: achieved by holding the body completely straight upside down and perpendicular . to the surface usually with entire leg out of water

crane position: while holding a vertical body position, one leg is vertical while the other is horizontal parallel to the surface making a 90 -degree angle

flamingo: similar to the vertical position, but one knee is bent with the touching the inside of the vertical leg.

ballet leg: beginning in a back layout, one leg is extended and held perpendicular to the body, while the other is held straight along the surface of the water. Step one: Step two: Step three:

these synchronized swimmers are forming a circle while treading water

this is one of the most exquisite and elegant kinds of sport. but … also it is very demanding