How to Start a Synchronized Swimming Team

The synchronized swimmers in the International Olympics defy gravity with their legs extending high into the air and spin and dance in the water as if they were on ice skates. Their example might inspire you to start a synchronized swimming team in your community.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the interest level in your community. Organize a preliminary meeting by contacting your newspaper and asking them to run a story about your plan to start a team. Make sure they list the date, time, and place for the meeting and your contact information.

    • 2

      Visit UsaSynchro.org, the official governing body for synchronized swimming in the United States for informational materials and advice on starting a new team. They will help you through all the stages of forming a team.

    • 3

      Hire a coach. Since synchronized swimming is a relatively small sport, experienced coaches can be difficult to find. If none are available, consider hiring a ballet teacher. Many of the moves in synchronized swimming depend upon proper ballet technique.

    • 4

      Reserve practice time at your local swimming pool. Advanced synchronized swimmers must spend many hours every day training in the water. However, you can start with an hour a day for beginners and add more practice time as the team members progress. Schedule additional out-of-water time for stretching, dance study and routine practice.

    • 5

      Form a parent's group to help organize and promote the team. Appoint different parents to committees to oversee fundraising, the purchase of instructional manuals and community awareness.

    • 6

      Consider presenting an annual demonstration for your community to let everyone know how much fun the kids are having and how much they have progressed. Arrange to put on your production one evening in the summer and develop swimming routines to popular music. Invite the public to attend.