Synchronized Swimming Techniques for Women Swimmers

Synchronized swimming incorporates dancing and gymnastics when individuals perform elaborate synchronized routines in a pool. Synchronized swimming began as a contest for men, but was considered more appropriate for women because of the artistry and elegance involved and the buoyancy required. Major sporting events like the Olympic Games and the World Championship competition only allow women to compete, while many other international synchronized swimming competitions are also open to men.
Origins
Synchronized swimming arrived in the United States in 1923, when Katherine Curtis started a water ballet club at the University of Chicago. Members of the club performed at the Modern Fair in Chicago, and it was there the term "synchronized swimming" was coined. The first U.S. synchronized swimming competition took place in 1932 at Wright Junior College. Over the decades, the sport of synchronized swimming became increasingly technical and athletic.
Competitions
Synchronized swimming was officially recognized by FINA, the international governing body of swimming, in 1968. Later, teams from the United States, Canada and Japan competed in the inaugural FINA World Championships in 1973. Synchronized swimming was first demonstrated at the Olympic Games in 1952, but it did not become an official Olympic sport until the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games.
Basic Skills
Sculls and the eggbeater kick are the fundamentals of synchronized swimming. Sculls are hand movements used to help support and propel the body. Eggbeaters are kicks that allow the swimmer to tread water and support the body while leaving the hands free. Lifts are movements that require the use of the eggbeater kick to propel a fellow swimmer out of the water.
Positions and Routines
Synchronized swimming involves hundred of positions that are combined to perform intricate routines. The most basic position is the back layout, whereby individuals rigidly float on their backs. Other positions include the front layout, ballet leg, flamingo, vertical and bent knee positions. While performing the routine, the swimmers are synchronized with one another as well as the music. The quality of the swimmers' performance is based upon technical skill, artistic impression, expression, and synchronization.