Synchronized Swim Lessons

Synchronized swimming has grown from its humble beginnings and is featured in national competitions and is also an Olympic event. If you are aspiring to be a part of a synchronized swimming team, there are lessons designed to help you gain skills and prepare for joining a team. Lessons are usually taught by very experienced swimmers with past competitive synchronized swimming experience. Class schedules, standards and enrollment number requirements vary significantly at different facilities and lessons can be group or individual formats.

  1. Beginner Level

    • When you are considering synchronized swimming lessons at the beginner or entry level you should at the very least have the skill to perform basic swim strokes such as crawl, breath stroke and backstroke. Beginner level lessons generally cover skills such as propulsion, basic sculling, pattern formation and arm strokes. Many swimming facilities offer a beginner program in a format that includes several weeks of classes culminating in a class routine performance. You are required to have necessary equipment to participate including an appropriate swimsuit, swim cap, goggles and nose clip.

    Intermediate Level

    • In your intermediate level lessons you begin to incorporate some competitive aspects into the class format. Skills such as propulsion, basic sculling, pattern formation and arm strokes continue to be developed while adding elements of technique and figures. Competition at this level is in local meets. The equipment needed to participate at this level is equal to that of a beginner and includes an appropriate swimsuit, goggles, and nose clip. You can compete in solo, duet, team or free combination categories.

    Advanced Level

    • In your advanced level lessons you are still working to perfect propulsion, sculling, pattern formation and arm stroke skills. You also spend time in lessons working on advanced technique. Skills incorporated at this level involve elements from ballet and gymnastics. Balance and motor control skills are focused on heavily at this advanced level. Competitive opportunities at this level generally go beyond local events and into regional and national competitions. The equipment required for lessons and competitions remains the same. Related financial costs tend to begin to increase substantially at this level due to an increased need for additional lessons and competition-related fees.

    Other Important Aspects of Training

    • To master the skills and demands of synchronized swimming, spend time and effort outside of the pool. Weight training is important to build strength and muscle control, especially during the off season. Concentrate on free weights, weight machine circuit training and specialized exercises to isolate and enhance leg and arm muscles.

    Getting Started

    • If you are a beginner you can find entry level synchronized swimming lessons at local community and aquatic centers. Most organizations are open to accepting beginners with limited swimming experience as long as they exhibit the minimum level of skill required. An assessment of skill is generally needed before joining any synchronized swimming program. The facility chosen will have specific requirements that must be met to participate in a synchronized class.