Swimming

 Introduction

Swimming is one of the most exciting, diverse and vibrant sport there is. For many the sport provides the ultimate challenge to their competitive abilities. The range of disciplines include open water swimming, sprints, long distance, diving, water polo and synchronised.  For many people swimming is about fitness and participation, for some it is an essential life skill but the range of age groups, events, competitions and clubs means that swimming really is a truly inclusive sport.

Water Polo is a fast-paced sport played by two teams in a swimming pool. There are goals at each end of the pool and, similar to other sports such as football, the winner of the game is the team that scores the most goals by getting the ball between the posts.

Each team is allowed to have seven players in the water at any one time (six 'out-field' players and a goalkeeper). Other than the goalkeeper, you will see the other players moving continuously around the pool.

They are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and must tread water the entire time - although players use a movement called the egg-beater which is more efficient than the normal action of treading water.

Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing the ball in front of them. They can only hold the ball with one hand, other than the goalkeeper who can use both hands.

Synchronised Swimming used to be known as 'water ballet' and this is a good starting point to see the sport because routines are essentially athletic movements performed in water and choreographed to music.

However, Synchronised Swimming is also a very strenuous and skilful sport because competitors need strength and flexibility to perform the routines, as well as rhythm and flair to synchronise and interpret the music.

For more information locally contact:
Kate Palmer, Partnership Swimming Development Officer
 Email: Kate.Palmer@swimming.org  
Office: 01509 640 766. Mobile: 079447 03427
 
Marie Moffat, Regional Aquatics Officer,
Email: Marie.Moffat@swimming.org 
 
Mobile : 07787 180 121

 www.swimming.org 

Play

There are opportunities to participate in swimming throughout the county of Northamptonshire.  Many opportunities are delivered through local authority swimming pools, and local club based activities.  For further information on where local clubs train, visit www.northamptonshiresport.org and put your details in the club directory search engine on the right hand side of the page; or contact Kate or Marie (details above).

Coach

Coach education opportunities are provided throughout the region.  If you are interested in being a swimming teacher and / or coach, or in further developing your existing qualifications, please visit www.swimming.org for a list of current courses, contact Kate or Marie to discuss your involvement or alternatively visit http://www.northamptonshiresport.org/coaches/coach-education-info

The next course in the county is

Daventry Leisure Centre Swimming - Level 2 course  

Volunteer

Volunteers play a hugely role in swimming, carrying out many varied and interesting roles.  If you would like to volunteer in the sport, contact Kate or Marie (details above) or visit: http://www.northamptonshiresport.org/volunteering

Clubs

Northamptonshire has a number of local community clubs who all provide a wide range of opportunities for people to access swimming.  Swimming clubs do often have waiting lists or minimum standards for new members, based on the national teaching programme.

To find a local club use the club directory on www.northamptonshiresport.org or www.swimming.org

Club Mark accredited clubs in the county are:

• Corby Amateur Swimming Club
• Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club
• Northampton Swimming Club
• Rothwell Swimming Club
• Rushden Swimming Club
• Wellingborough Swimming Club

Links to websites

www.swimming.org