I saw a swim team swimming with these resistance devices the other day, kind of like parachutes. I figure they are probably good to help with strength, but it seems that they might also force you to improve technique to move at a reasonable pace. Anyone have experience with these things?
Not if you use them correctly. These are typically used for short efforts- reps of 25 or 50m. IMO, paddles are more likely to cause shoulder issues because folks will do X x 200 pulls with them until their stabilizers fail. Of course, there is the possibility of acute shoulder injury, but from what I have seen, the majority of shoulder issues in swimming are from overuse.
I've only used a parachute a few times, but it's more akin to weight training. You won't be able to do many reps, which may prevent overuse injury. I'll use both paddles and parachutes, and both can be used safely if the set is well-designed. :2cents:
I agree with all of this. I don't have shoulder issues (knock on wood) so I'm not one to ask, but I use parachutes with paddles and snorkel for short freestyle stuff, mostly 25s. Good for working on power; I especially like it when I'm not able to get into the weight room for some reason.
I don't use paddles with any other stroke than freestyle; I like to use the chute for backstroke, dislike for fly (throws off my timing). I haven't ever tried it for breaststroke; I suspect that my knees would never ever speak to me again.
As far as stroke mechanics: I think it is good for the catch (EVF), not so good for integrating with the kick. My feet always hit the cord, which is bothersome, so I don't kick much.
I think for most models you can adjust the resistance level by changing the size of the hole. But I tied mine off at the highest level (pretty much completely closed) because otherwise the hole has a tendency to expand with time.
Not if you use them correctly. These are typically used for short efforts- reps of 25 or 50m. IMO, paddles are more likely to cause shoulder issues because folks will do X x 200 pulls with them until their stabilizers fail. Of course, there is the possibility of acute shoulder injury, but from what I have seen, the majority of shoulder issues in swimming are from overuse.
I've only used a parachute a few times, but it's more akin to weight training. You won't be able to do many reps, which may prevent overuse injury. I'll use both paddles and parachutes, and both can be used safely if the set is well-designed. :2cents:
I agree with all of this. I don't have shoulder issues (knock on wood) so I'm not one to ask, but I use parachutes with paddles and snorkel for short freestyle stuff, mostly 25s. Good for working on power; I especially like it when I'm not able to get into the weight room for some reason.
I don't use paddles with any other stroke than freestyle; I like to use the chute for backstroke, dislike for fly (throws off my timing). I haven't ever tried it for breaststroke; I suspect that my knees would never ever speak to me again.
As far as stroke mechanics: I think it is good for the catch (EVF), not so good for integrating with the kick. My feet always hit the cord, which is bothersome, so I don't kick much.
I think for most models you can adjust the resistance level by changing the size of the hole. But I tied mine off at the highest level (pretty much completely closed) because otherwise the hole has a tendency to expand with time.
