In artistic swimming, a Water Pattern refers to the visual design or “picture” that a group of swimmers creates on the surface of the water. While individuals perform difficult moves, the team works together to form geometric shapes that change throughout the routine.
How Swimmers Create Patterns
Swimmers use their bodies as “dots” or “lines” to build a larger image. They move in unison to shift from one pattern to the next.
- Linear Patterns: Swimmers form straight lines, diagonals, or “V” shapes. These patterns look sharp and show off the team’s precision.
- Circular Patterns: The team forms a circle or a rotating wheel. This often makes the routine look fluid and continuous.
- Asymmetrical Patterns: The team splits into different groups to create a complex, modern look that isn’t mirrored on both sides.
Why Patterns Matter
Water patterns are a huge part of the Artistic Impression score. Judges look for three specific things:
- Complexity: Moving from a circle to a square while staying underwater is much harder than staying in one spot.
- Symmetry: In most patterns, every swimmer must be exactly the same distance apart. If one person is “out of line,” the pattern breaks.
- Space Utilization: A good routine uses the entire pool. Swimmers travel across the water while maintaining their pattern.
Common Terms
- The “Pattern Change”: This is the moment when swimmers transition from one shape to another. Coaches want these changes to be “invisible” or seamless.
- Spacing: This is the specific amount of room between each swimmer. They use their peripheral vision to check their spacing constantly.
- Covering: In a line, a swimmer must “cover” the person behind them so that, from the front, the judges only see one person.
The Purpose
Patterns tell a story. If the music is aggressive, the team might use sharp, angular patterns. If the music is soft, they might use curved, blooming shapes. It turns a group of athletes into a single, living piece of art.