Artistic swimming: difficulty controlling speed of movement

Movements are rushed or jerky instead of smooth and controlled.

Activities that help

• Arm Shapes on the Eggbeater – Hold an upright eggbeater while making simple arm shapes above the water on counts – building the strong legs and expressive arms routines need.
• Layout, Tuck, Layout Transitions – A short chain of positions – back layout, tuck, front layout, back layout – moving on counts without losing height.
• Move to the Mood – Swimmers listen to two contrasting pieces of music and choose movements that match each mood – slow and flowing or bright and sharp.
• Mushroom to Starfish – Tuck into a mushroom float, then open slowly into a starfish on the front – controlled changes of shape with calm breathing.
• Smooth Speed Control – Perform the same movement – a roll, a tuck or an arm shape – at three speeds on the counts, learning to control speed rather than rush.
• Tuck Sink and Surface – Sink slowly in a tuck, then open and surface in a chosen position – practising controlled underwater shapes and graceful surfacing.