There are so many new products on the market, oddly shaped paddles, gloves - I even saw this contraption where you connect a tube from your waste to your ankles so that kicking is more difficult.
I do not think that this equipment is effective - particularily paddles - unless you are a very high lever swimmer and you only use it spottingly. Unfortunately ussage tends to be most common with LOW level swimmers and these swimmers use the equipment far too much durring each workout.
My advice to those returning to the pool is to avoid all of this stuff - it will only lead to injuries.
Parents
Former Member
I've actually heard of the tennis ball thing. Though when I was in high school, we called it a "fist drill". Instead of holding tennis balls we would just make balls with our fists. I dont think that drill could ever hurt you. Whenever we did it, it was to put emphasis on how your pull affected you in the water. With your fist it moves so quickly through the water and you dont really get anywhere with it. But when you put your hand in the proper position and pulled, you could feel a big difference. It was to also get the arm in the proper "S" pulling.
As for the hand paddles/gloves. I've used both. I think the gloves are just more a hassle than anything. Mine are always coming unzipped and they feel funny (uncomfortable). I would go for the hand paddles given the choice. They make for a good shoulder building workout, but yes without the proper training and extent of training, using them for the first time for a long time will more than likely end up injuring yourself.
Not all things are bad to use. I would totally recommend using paddles, bouy's and fins (short or long). Though only when you feel you've had the proper training/practice before you use them. Good Luck
Kelli,
I've actually heard of the tennis ball thing. Though when I was in high school, we called it a "fist drill". Instead of holding tennis balls we would just make balls with our fists. I dont think that drill could ever hurt you. Whenever we did it, it was to put emphasis on how your pull affected you in the water. With your fist it moves so quickly through the water and you dont really get anywhere with it. But when you put your hand in the proper position and pulled, you could feel a big difference. It was to also get the arm in the proper "S" pulling.
As for the hand paddles/gloves. I've used both. I think the gloves are just more a hassle than anything. Mine are always coming unzipped and they feel funny (uncomfortable). I would go for the hand paddles given the choice. They make for a good shoulder building workout, but yes without the proper training and extent of training, using them for the first time for a long time will more than likely end up injuring yourself.
Not all things are bad to use. I would totally recommend using paddles, bouy's and fins (short or long). Though only when you feel you've had the proper training/practice before you use them. Good Luck
Kelli,
