In artistic swimming, acrobatic moves have become some of the most exciting parts of a routine, big lifts, high throws, and twists in the air that grab the audience’s attention and impress the judges. But behind each of these impressive moments is a careful mix of planning, teamwork, body mechanics, and a strong commitment to safety.

The Evolution of Acrobatics in Artistic Swimming

Once known as synchronized swimming, the sport has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Acrobatics, or “acro” elements, were introduced to inject higher levels of athleticism and innovation. Teams now train to execute complex aerial maneuvers that resemble those in gymnastics or cheerleading but with the added challenge of being launched from underwater, with no solid ground for support.

In elite competitions under World Aquatics regulations, acrobatic elements are key components in both team and highlight routines. These moves are not just for show they are evaluated for their difficulty, execution, and synchronization, often helping teams stand out and gain an edge over their competitors.

Building the Perfect Formation

Creating a high-flying acrobatic move starts from below the surface. The base swimmers work together in carefully planned formations such as pyramids, stacks, platforms, designed specifically for the type of acrobatic movement being performed. These setups are crafted to suit the height, rotation, or direction needed for the flyer. Executing them successfully requires strength training, precise timing, and body alignment to reduce water resistance and generate maximum power.

Meanwhile, the flyer must maintain tight body control, executing spins or layouts mid-air before entering the water cleanly. The artistry lies in making it all look effortless.

Prioritising Safety in Innovation

Despite their visual appeal, acrobatic elements pose inherent risks. Poor timing or miscommunication can lead to collisions, awkward landings, or even injuries. That’s why safety is embedded into every stage of training.

Athletes begin on land, practicing acrobatic techniques in dryland facilities with mats and harnesses. In-water drills follow, often in shallow depths and under the watchful eyes of safety personnel. Coaches use underwater cameras and feedback systems to refine technique and ensure proper form is used.

Innovation Within the Rules

The World Aquatics artistic swimming rules provide clear guidelines on acrobatic elements, defining what is permissible and how moves are scored. This framework ensures fairness while still encouraging creative expression.

Teams continuously push the envelope experimenting with new lift formations, twisting combinations, and hybrid transitions between figures and acrobatics. These innovations are choreographed not just for technical merit, but also to tell a story, build emotion, and engage the audience.

The Future of the Acrobatic routine

As artistic swimming gains prominence on the global stage, particularly with increased visibility in the Olympics and World Championships, acrobatics are poised to become even more daring and dynamic.

No matter how much the sport evolves, one thing always stays the same: the safety and well-being of the athletes come first. In artistic swimming, each lift is built on trust and teamwork, showing what’s possible when strength, skill, and coordination come together. Acrobatic moves aren’t just about athletic ability they also represent the strong connection between teammates, making the sport both impressive to watch and challenging to perform.

Don’t miss the acrobatic team routines at the World Aquatics Championships on July 24 and 25, where strength, skill, and showmanship take center stage.