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?
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Former Member
Hi Kevin,
In my case I swim significantly faster (at all distances) without a pull bouy - that is, my legs dragging behind me, even if encouraged to float with a bouy, are more drag than they are when they can kick.
So, when I use paddles, using a bouy does stress my shoulders more. And without kicking my 'cardiovascular' effort can concentrate on my shoulders/arms. Is there something wrong with that analysis?
Hi Kevin,
In my case I swim significantly faster (at all distances) without a pull bouy - that is, my legs dragging behind me, even if encouraged to float with a bouy, are more drag than they are when they can kick.
So, when I use paddles, using a bouy does stress my shoulders more. And without kicking my 'cardiovascular' effort can concentrate on my shoulders/arms. Is there something wrong with that analysis?
