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
In response to the original question, I have found paddles to be a useful tool. I coach an USS age group team. I have my swimmers use paddles a couple of times a week. The main reason I have my swimmers use paddles is because if you use a paddle, which does not have the wrist strap, and you swim freestyle with it and the paddle moves a lot, this is a pretty good indication that you are doing something wrong on your catch or pull. I have my swimmers fiddle around with their catch and pull as they try and not make the paddle move. If the swimmer is pulling "correctly" then the paddle should not move. Also, I have really bad knees and I use paddles to help me swim and take the pressure off of my knees.
In response to the original question, I have found paddles to be a useful tool. I coach an USS age group team. I have my swimmers use paddles a couple of times a week. The main reason I have my swimmers use paddles is because if you use a paddle, which does not have the wrist strap, and you swim freestyle with it and the paddle moves a lot, this is a pretty good indication that you are doing something wrong on your catch or pull. I have my swimmers fiddle around with their catch and pull as they try and not make the paddle move. If the swimmer is pulling "correctly" then the paddle should not move. Also, I have really bad knees and I use paddles to help me swim and take the pressure off of my knees.
