Rhythm – swimming activities

Moving to counts, beats or music.

Activities

• 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.
• Count the Eights – Swimmers learn to count in eights (as music is counted) and start, change and finish simple movements exactly on the count.
• Create an Eight-Count Phrase – Small groups invent a short movement phrase – two or three moves over eight counts – then teach it to another group.
• 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.
• Partner Synchronisation Challenge – Pairs perform the same four-move sequence side by side and score points for starting, changing and finishing together.
• Poolside Arm Rehearsal – Rehearse a routine's arm movements and counts sitting on the poolside before trying them in the water – common practice in artistic swimming.
• Rhythm Eggbeater Bounce – Eggbeater to a beat, rising a little higher on every eighth count – linking leg strength, rhythm and group timing.
• 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.
• Synchronised Entries – Pairs enter the water together feet-first on a count and surface into the same pose – practising a routine's opening.