Parachutes

This is kindof what I was eluding to though... there is a TON of people out there swimming with not only bad technique, but with strokes that make my shoulders hurt just watching them. With bad technique, adding drag carries a level of risk, imo. I didn't say there's no place for paddles or chutes, but there isn't a high percentage of people that need to work with added drag, let alone know how to use it properly to prevent problems and actually gain benefit from it. There are many other things the large percentage should be looking to improve first that don't carry risk with them. That's all I'm saying. Maybe 90% is high, but I think its pretty close. We use chutes, buckets and bungees every week...and for all levels, short and longer distances. Then again for better or worse were not training like a lot of masters clubs! Some observations: - For technique work we use a buoy at the ankles, chute with the strap hanging in front not the back and snorkels. Forcing the swimmer to slow down via the resistance along with the ability to have a better view of the stroke underwater with the snorkel has really helped make some corrections on their catch as well as helping to eliminate the over rotation we see with some folks. - Short "blast" swims with a bucket/chute (again with strap in front not back), pull buoy and paddles is awesome...but here is where we avoid having novice swimmers or swimmers with any type of shoulder issues use them. - One of the crazier things we came up with after a couple of swimmers got injured and were kick only for a few weeks (injuries were NOT from swimming for the record!) is "surf training". There is a buildup to the hardest level which is pulling a bucket running along the bottom of the pool with a 20lb kettlebell in each hand...one of our gals can actually make 50yds now without surfacing for air! An interesting side benefit to this is the people that have been doing it have improved their turns immensely....more from their ability to relax underwater than anything but also the confidence in having learned how to control their breathing! Chris....fly speed work with hydro fins and Hans paddles, great stuff!!

This is kindof what I was eluding to though... there is a TON of people out there swimming with not only bad technique, but with strokes that make my shoulders hurt just watching them. With bad technique, adding drag carries a level of risk, imo. I didn't say there's no place for paddles or chutes, but there isn't a high percentage of people that need to work with added drag, let alone know how to use it properly to prevent problems and actually gain benefit from it. There are many other things the large percentage should be looking to improve first that don't carry risk with them. That's all I'm saying. Maybe 90% is high, but I think its pretty close. We use chutes, buckets and bungees every week...and for all levels, short and longer distances. Then again for better or worse were not training like a lot of masters clubs! Some observations: - For technique work we use a buoy at the ankles, chute with the strap hanging in front not the back and snorkels. Forcing the swimmer to slow down via the resistance along with the ability to have a better view of the stroke underwater with the snorkel has really helped make some corrections on their catch as well as helping to eliminate the over rotation we see with some folks. - Short "blast" swims with a bucket/chute (again with strap in front not back), pull buoy and paddles is awesome...but here is where we avoid having novice swimmers or swimmers with any type of shoulder issues use them. - One of the crazier things we came up with after a couple of swimmers got injured and were kick only for a few weeks (injuries were NOT from swimming for the record!) is "surf training". There is a buildup to the hardest level which is pulling a bucket running along the bottom of the pool with a 20lb kettlebell in each hand...one of our gals can actually make 50yds now without surfacing for air! An interesting side benefit to this is the people that have been doing it have improved their turns immensely....more from their ability to relax underwater than anything but also the confidence in having learned how to control their breathing! Chris....fly speed work with hydro fins and Hans paddles, great stuff!!