How Do Coaches Choose Duets?

What is the point of a duet?

        A duet is a competition category where only two swimmers compete together instead of all eight (for team). You might ask, isn't that just the same thing, but with less people freezing in the water? No! Duets are...

• easier to synchronize
• often more advanced and difficult than team routines
• shorter in terms of length (this is good news!)
• no complex pattern changes (either one person is in front, or the other!)

What does it mean if I am chosen to be part of a duet?

        Since there are only two swimmers in a duet, the coach will often choose the two best artistic swimmers on the team. (But that's only if they fit well together!) A duet is also a sign of the coach's interest in the swimmer. Basically, a duet is a great honor!

What do coaches look for?

         There are circumstances where a duet can go to swimmers who aren't the top of the team. Have you ever heard of a dream team? Well, coaches are constantly looking for dream duets. If two swimmers look well together, like if they have similar leg shape, then they would probably be taken into consideration as duet partners.  

         Another sign that two swimmers would make an amazing duo is if they naturally cooperate and work well with each other. This doesn't mean they have to have similar personalities, in fact, sometimes different personalities work wonderfully! For example, coaches might pair a easy going swimmer with one that's a bit stricter to keep them both on track. But they both better be good swimmers! Duets are NOT given out easily!

POTENTIAL...

        Lastly, coaches want to see that the swimmers CARE. Are they passionate about the sport? Do they put all their work in?