fina synchronised swimming manual for judges, coaches & referees

2009 – 2013 FINA SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING MANUALFOR JUDGES, COACHES & REFEREESSECTION III! Airborne weightThe height of strokes and amount of weight held or carried above thesurface adds significantly to the difficulty. Arms should easily clear thewater in horizontal stroking, with the body near or at the surface. In alleggbeater stroking, shoulders and armpits should be well above thesurface level. Sustained strokes at maximum height are more demandingthan quick, moving strokes.! Flexibility requiredStrokes which require an extreme range of flexibility - such as those withthe extended arm behind the shoulder line - are difficult to achieve due tothe extreme flexibility needed. Figure parts that require maximumflexibility, such as the 180 degree split at the surface, are difficult.! Complexity of the actionsVery rapid, multiple quick movements to change arm and hand, leg andfoot positions, add difficulty.! Proximity of swimmersClose spacing of swimmers restricts their freedom of movement andcreates water turbulence and currents which can add to the difficulty ofthe action.2. DIFFICULTY of figures and hybridsThe difficulty of figures and hybrids is related to the amount of energy, powerand strength needed to perform the movements, as well as the number andcomplexity of the combined actions.! Power and strength requirementsPower and strength are needed to:- lift to airborne positionsExamples - Back Layout to Ballet Leg- Porpoise lift- Flamingo unroll- Crane join to vertical- support airborne weight without loss of heightExamples - Twists- Catalina rotations- Hybrid figures with multiple action changes.- execute planned travel during performance of a figure or hybrid- traveling Ballet Legs combinations- moving Crane positions- combination moving hybrids2009 – 2013 FINA Synchronised Swimming Manual for Judges, Coaches & Referees 160