Rules to play Synchronized Swimming
1. Sculls
Sculls (hand movements used to propel the body) are 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. Support scull is performed by holding the upper arms against the sides of the body and the lower arms at 90 degree angles to the body, with hands facing the bottom of the pool. The lower arms are then moved back and forth while maintaining the right angle. The resulting pressure against the hands allows the swimmer to hold their legs above water while swimming. Other sculls used in training include propeller and reverse propeller.
2. Eggbeater
The eggbeater kick is another important skill of synchronized swimming. 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. Eggbeater is used in all arm sections, a piece of coreography in which the swimmer is upright, often with one or both arms in the air. Another variation is a boost, which is executed through an eggbeater buildup and a strong whip kick, propelling the swimmer out of the water vertically. Eggbeating for a considerable period is also referred to as an aquabob and is used to build propulsion under water prior to a boost or pop up.
3. Lifts
A lift is when members of the team propel another teammate relatively high out of the water. They are quite common in routines of older age groups and higher skill levels. There are many variations on lifts, often dubbed highlights. These can include partner lifts, float patterns or other areas of unique, artistic choreography intended to impress the judges and audience.
4. Parts of a successful lift
There are three parts to every lift in synchronized swimming The top (or flyer), the base, and the pushers.
The Flyer is usually the smallest member of the team. Flyers must be agile and flexible, with a preferable gymnastics background if they are jumping off the lift.The Chair or The Plank tends to be of average size. She should have good leg strength and a solid core (when performing a platform lift, a strong core and length is essential).The rest of the team will be underneath the chair or plank. They are usually strong and powerful, as their job is to support the Chair/Plank and supply the force needed for the flyer to execute her job.
5. Types of lifts
The Platform Lift oldest form. In a platform, the base lays out in a back layout position underwater. The top sets in a squatting position on her torso and stands once the lift reaches the surface. The remaining teammates use eggbeater to hold the platform and the top out of the water.
The Stack Lift is a more modern version of the platform. The base sets up in a squatting position a few feet underwater, with the pushers holding her legs and feet. The top then climbs onto the shoulders of the base. As the lift rises, pushers extend their arms while the base and top extend their legs to achieve maximum height. A common addition to a stack lift is a rotation while it descends.
A Throw Liftis set up exactly like a stack lift. However, when the lift reaches its full height, the flyer on top of the lift will jump off of her teammates shoulders, usually performing some sort of acrobatic movement or position. This is a very difficult lift and should only be attempted by experienced swimmers.
6. Back Layout
The most basic position. The body floats, completely straight and rigid, face up on the surface while sculling under the hips.
7. Front Layout
Much like a Back Layout, the only difference is that the swimmer is on his/her stomach, sculling by his/her chest, and not breathing.
8. Sailboat
Similar to the back layout, but one knee is bent with the toe touching the inside of the other leg, which remains parallel to the surface.
9. Ballet Leg
Beginning in a back layout, one leg is extended and held perpendicular to the body, while the other is held parallel to the surface of the water.
10. Flamingo
Similar to ballet leg position where bottom leg is pulled into the chest so that the shin of the bottom leg is touching the knee of the vertical leg.
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