I’m not a big believer in swimming accessories and do not use pull buoys, fins or kickboards but I’ve heard somewhat positive things about limited use of small paddles and how they will point out issues with the catch and pull pretty quick. So does anyone have any suggestions of a good smaller paddle that would be suitable for that?
I am only looking to get them to use for limited sets in some sessions as I don’t want to become reliant on them for anything. But I know that I certainly could use some improvement!
It’s important to NOT use all of the straps and various loops to hold the paddles to your hands. A single finger loop is what you’re looking for. What this does is requires you to keep your hand (and the paddle) at a specific orientation through the catch, pull, and finish oif the stroke otherwise it will catch the water and be pulled from your hand. Strapping the paddle to your hands at a bunch of locations just defeats the purpose.
I’m not a big believer in swimming accessories and do not use pull buoys, fins or kickboards but I’ve heard somewhat positive things about limited use of small paddles and how they will point out issues with the catch and pull pretty quick. So does anyone have any suggestions of a good smaller paddle that would be suitable for that?
I am only looking to get them to use for limited sets in some sessions as I don’t want to become reliant on them for anything. But I know that I certainly could use some improvement!
I think you are headed in the wrong direction. I am not aware of a paddle that actually improves technique. There may be some on the market but I would be skeptical. Additionally IMO unless you have a solid shoulder and swimming strength paddles are a fast track to a shoulder problem. I was a big fan of paddle until I tore my shoulder (not because of them) so now I can’t use them. But when i did it was for power and strength- not technique. This seems odd but IMo the two best things you could use to improve stroke technique are fins like zoomers or a pull buoy. These are tools that the pressure off the legs and bring you up in the water so you have a better body position which will allow you to focus on proper stroke. Go get a good coach, a PB and zoomers and check in with us in 6 months
I agree. I used paddles a lot until it messed up my shoulder 2 months ago. Have not used since.
I was only using for strength, not techinque. But, I think it gives feedback if your catch is messed up?
For the most part agreeing with hasbeen here. Paddles are hard on your shoulders, and unless you’ve got good technique to begin with, you can mess yourself up using them.
However, if your technique is fundamentally decent, and you want to play around with them, 200 yards of freestlye at moderate pace as a drill in the middle of practice (when your arms are well warmed up) is unlikely to do much damage, and can break up the workout monotony a little.
However, if your technique is fundamentally decent, and you want to play around with them, 200 yards of freestlye at moderate pace as a drill in the middle of practice (when your arms are well warmed up) is unlikely to do much damage, and can break up the workout monotony a little.
True so long as that is all folks do
That was my issue, one time. I had always just swam slow and easy with them. But for some reason one day at practice, I swam
hard with them. Big mistake, and have not used since.
I agree with TH3_FRB - Strokemakers (small enough that your fingers almost make it to the ends of the paddle).
Take all straps out with the exception of the finger. I use my index finger because I then get more stroke control, plus if I use my middle finger (like a lot of folks do) my finger gets sore/tired/numb.
When you only have one itty-bitty strap holding the paddle to your hand you will quickly find where you are dropping an elbow, or just swimming like crap because the paddle will flip off.
The more you work on keeping the paddle on your hands, the sooner you will find correct hand/forearm position while stroking.
And the goal is to go slow, have perfect strokes while using them. I also make sure that I kick (easy though) while using paddles. Otherwise you do end up using more shoulder work than necessary (and if you have poor mechanics or muscle imbalances) which can cause some soreness or injury.
Awesome, thanks everyone! That is exactly what I was looking for … something to just go slow and easy and work on the form. It’s one thing to have a coach tell you that something is wrong, but it is another to actually feel it in your stroke. I’m a tactile person, so that is what I was trying to find.
