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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Thanks guys for the feedback. And yes Kevin it definitely does make sense that if pulling were difficult, why on earth would anyone grasp for a bouy if the workout is starting to wear them down.
Personally I can still swim a five hundred faster with a buoy than without. However in due time, with better conditioning this will change. Being a sprinter I can do hundred yard repeats all day long. Five hundreds...forget about it!
But let me share the following about working on the pull buoy addiction:
CONS....
1. Pulling will reinforce a wimpy kick off the turns. Normally one doesn't kick when they're pulling.. (not supposed to anyway).
2. If the kick is restricted, then getting good leverage for body rotation by means of leg action is limited. Body roll and force generated from the hips and torso are supposed to be driving the swimmer, not the arms.
3. Pulling is easier, (my opinion) because the big muscles (legs) are given a break and not sucking up all the oxygen.
PROS.....
1. By not using a buoy one is essentially forced to learn how to swim with proper body positioning. It's impossible to cheat the effects of gravity without the flotation devise. Kind of like taking the training wheels off.
2. Ultimately better conditioning will be the result of getting the pull buoy monkey off your back. Now the legs have to come into action.
Still some coaches aren't inclined to hide them when they may actually hinder improvement in overall technique. As you've mentioned they definitely fit into a typical workout at some point, just not all the time. That is...unless pull buoy races become officially recognized by the USMS!
Thanks. Val
Thanks guys for the feedback. And yes Kevin it definitely does make sense that if pulling were difficult, why on earth would anyone grasp for a bouy if the workout is starting to wear them down.
Personally I can still swim a five hundred faster with a buoy than without. However in due time, with better conditioning this will change. Being a sprinter I can do hundred yard repeats all day long. Five hundreds...forget about it!
But let me share the following about working on the pull buoy addiction:
CONS....
1. Pulling will reinforce a wimpy kick off the turns. Normally one doesn't kick when they're pulling.. (not supposed to anyway).
2. If the kick is restricted, then getting good leverage for body rotation by means of leg action is limited. Body roll and force generated from the hips and torso are supposed to be driving the swimmer, not the arms.
3. Pulling is easier, (my opinion) because the big muscles (legs) are given a break and not sucking up all the oxygen.
PROS.....
1. By not using a buoy one is essentially forced to learn how to swim with proper body positioning. It's impossible to cheat the effects of gravity without the flotation devise. Kind of like taking the training wheels off.
2. Ultimately better conditioning will be the result of getting the pull buoy monkey off your back. Now the legs have to come into action.
Still some coaches aren't inclined to hide them when they may actually hinder improvement in overall technique. As you've mentioned they definitely fit into a typical workout at some point, just not all the time. That is...unless pull buoy races become officially recognized by the USMS!
Thanks. Val
