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
Man, I sound like a broken record........but......"different strokes for different folks" works here too.
First, what is the training for ? An Iron-man or triathlete does not need to work the legs - they will get plenty on the next two events. So why not use a buoy to help concentrate on the arms ?
Second, what stroke are we talking about here ? Arms - only fly is not a lot of fun and tends to destroy the rhythm of the stroke.
Third, adding the new dimension of paddles changes everything. In twelve years of age - group coaching and 30 = years of competing and training with others, I never saw injury produced that could be definitely traced back to fin or buoy use. Sure did see a lot of problems develop from the use of paddles.....
These are opinions, of course (although some of our posters declare their opinions to be "facts")and your individual circumstance has to be factored in.
A good coach would work with you to ascertain your needs, your strengths and weaknesses,plus other factors.
Someone earlier said it best - MODERATION !
Bert
Man, I sound like a broken record........but......"different strokes for different folks" works here too.
First, what is the training for ? An Iron-man or triathlete does not need to work the legs - they will get plenty on the next two events. So why not use a buoy to help concentrate on the arms ?
Second, what stroke are we talking about here ? Arms - only fly is not a lot of fun and tends to destroy the rhythm of the stroke.
Third, adding the new dimension of paddles changes everything. In twelve years of age - group coaching and 30 = years of competing and training with others, I never saw injury produced that could be definitely traced back to fin or buoy use. Sure did see a lot of problems develop from the use of paddles.....
These are opinions, of course (although some of our posters declare their opinions to be "facts")and your individual circumstance has to be factored in.
A good coach would work with you to ascertain your needs, your strengths and weaknesses,plus other factors.
Someone earlier said it best - MODERATION !
Bert
