I was wondering how many of you out there, especially the coaches, feel about the use of pull buoys. Pulling sets are intended to put more stress on the upper body particularly when paddles are involved. Some of my favorite workouts include the use of these "water toys" as I like to refer to them.
Would it be safe to say that however that the buoy is actually a crutch for folks with poor body positioning and/or a weak kick ?There was a time time that I wouldn't even consider a set of five hundred yard repeats without my styrofoam lifesaver. Even during some of the longer sets I see many in the other lanes break out the buoys when the going gets tough. Any thoughts?
Parents
Former Member
Val,
Just as anything in life, moderation is the key. We use pull buoys with a variety of sets, with and without paddles. Very rarely will we use a pull buoy for more than 1/3 of the workout distance (injuries or pulling designed workouts would be the exception). For those people who always use pull buoys - they are just learning how to swim fast with a buoy (last time I checked pulling events are not recognized in swimming competitions, unless you count open water swims with a wet suit).
Val,
Just as anything in life, moderation is the key. We use pull buoys with a variety of sets, with and without paddles. Very rarely will we use a pull buoy for more than 1/3 of the workout distance (injuries or pulling designed workouts would be the exception). For those people who always use pull buoys - they are just learning how to swim fast with a buoy (last time I checked pulling events are not recognized in swimming competitions, unless you count open water swims with a wet suit).
