How to Choreograph a Synchronized Swimming Routine

Synchronized swimming, while the source of many jokes, has gained popularity in the last few decades since Esther Williams brought it to Hollywood in the 1950s and '60s. There's more to synchronized swimming than flapping around in circles with a smile on your face and a swim cap on your head. Learn the rules and guidelines for choreographing a synchronized swimming routine in the following steps.

Instructions

    • 1

      Distinguish between a technical and free routine. A technical routine requires participants to perform particular moves in a set routine and time limit, whereas a free routine has no set limits and varies from team to team.

    • 2

      Juice up the technical merit, which is one of the heftiest areas that judges score. The technical merit consists of perfect execution of strokes, propulsion techniques, figures and transitions. It also includes synchronization with the other swimmers and level of difficulty. Moves that add technical merit to a synchronized swimming routine are boosts, thrusts, twirls and rockets.

    • 3

      Focus on the artistic impression, as this is the other area that judges focus on. Artistic impression is scored based on how well the synchronization moves with the music and how gracefully the swimmers perform the moves. The three areas the judges focus on here are musical selection, choreography and manner of presentation.

    • 4

      Begin the routine with deck work, which opens the performance and sets the mood for the routine. Deck work is performed outside of the water and is not included in the final score. It can last up to 10 seconds only.

    • 5

      Make the routine look easy. This is largely part of the swimmers' responsibility because even the best choreography cannot mask an out-of-shape or undertrained athlete. Choose moves that the team is able to execute well and then add shorter bursts of more difficult moves that the team can focus their training on.

    • 6

      Mix some difficult moves into the routine. Judges look at the height above the water that the moves are performed, so add some higher movements to wow them. They also like to see moves that require athletic strength and routines that require complex synchronization.