Paddles, gloves etc..

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,

When I first came back...the fins really helped me get through a workout. Now, there isn't a need to rely on them to complete mileage. But, I don't understand what paddels are supposed to do--there are so many opinions out there. The other day I saw an ironman athlete swimming with tennis balls in each hand. That was interesting, but I wonder what the purpose is for them. And for fins--there are long ones and short ones...what's the difference between them? Anyway, I can ask questions forever...so I'll quit while I'm ahead. Jerrycat ;)

Lefty, The water toys are good fun, but should be used sparingly. I think that more often than not, paddles will lead to shoulder problems if there's a quirk in the stroke. All it takes is the slightest repetition of a funny stroke move, and before you know it, there's trouble with the rotator cuff. Fins are great for stretching out the ankles, and in developing some power to one's kick. (I happen to like coming in on less than a minute for the hundred yard repeats. Now if they'ld only allow them in races?) And on that note...if you can't use all this stuff during a meet, then why get comfortable using it day in and out in practice. I've personally sworn off pull bouys because of the crutch aspect. And although I see some folks swimming with fins, it's gotta be a big reality check when they try to go without them. We're all are born with our own paddles and fins, it's up to us on how to work with them best. But you're not going hear that from a multi-million dollar industry doing all they can to get people to buy their products.

I use paddles once every couple of months for short distances because I think it helps me get the feel of the water. Any variation in hand angle is immediately noticeable. I wouldn't use them in a regular workout but I think they have some value when used sparingly.

It's sometimes fun to watch a new swimmer come to my pool with a big ol' bag of toys. He spreads them out all over the pool deck and puffs up his chest to try to look serious, all the while glancing around to see if anyone has noticed how big time he is. He puts on his snorkel, straps on his paddles and steps into his fins. With the edge of the paddle getting in the way, he struggles to start his brand new waterproof chronograph. Then he shoves off the pool edge against a self-created wall of water and splashes violently down the lane, capsizing the little old lady doing a weak version of backstroke in the next lane. Refusing to give up after 25 meters, he shoves off again, this time considerably weaker. By the time he struggles back to where he started, his arm motion has degenerated into just dragging his paddle through the water under his elbow. He stops at the end and breathes heavily, managing to stop his watch after several seconds of fiddling his fingers around the paddle, then glances around to see if anyone has noticed his herculean effort. After about seven minutes' rest, he takes the paddles and snorkel off and grabs his computer designed hydrodynamic wedge shaped kick board. Once again he splashes off down the lane kicking up a fountain, most of which lands on his own back and head. The little old lady sees him coming this time and just decides to drown herself to get it over with. The lifeguard is staring at his toenails and doesn't notice. After 50 meters with the kick board and fins and another seven minutes rest, it's time to cool down. He floats down the lane on his back imitating backstroke, all the while getting his distance by pulling with his left hand on the lane rope. He ducks under the lane ropes to reach the ladder, disrupting swimmers in the other lanes in the process, gathers all his toys into a bag, and heads for the shower. Back at the office, he boasts to the cute new receptionist that he swims a full thirty minutes every day to stay in shape. :p

This is exactly what I am saying Shaky. Paddles etc can be useful, but only to a very experienced swimmer. And the line of "experienced" is alot higher than what most people think or are willing to admit. My opinion: if you can't do 10x200m on 2:45 then you DONT need to use paddles.

Hi guys I must be the odd man out here as I always use short bladed fins for all my kick sets and drill sets. At the age of 72 I've completely lost any useable propulsive value from my kick and I like to concentrate on 100% correctness in my drills so fins are necessary. I love to do an easy pull set as a warm down with buoy and paddles and an ankle band. Its great for finishing with technique and style. Usually about 4 or 500 metres. The volume of use without "toys" depends on whether I'm drilling or conditioning. I suppose it's about time I became involved instead of just reading. Seeya Sluggo :)

Shaky you are hilarious!!! I have seen these swimmers many times and they usually last about a week never to be seen again. I now know why I struggle in the pool. My googles were obtained in the lost and found box last year. Yes the life gaurds were taking the box to the trash so I recycled them. Fins, I do not own any of them. Kick board, I use what ever board a kid left at the pool after practice. An added bonus is the parents have learned I always put the lost kick board in a certain location so that they can claim it the next day. Pullboy, same as kick board. I have a never ending supply of goggles, kick boards. and pull boys. Swim bag, my childs left over bag she did not want. Swim suit, I have a brand new one. Practice sets are provided by this web site. Thanks for the humor you made my day. Have a great day Paul

Like someone else who posted, I found fins to be very helpful when I returned to swimming after a long time away. Now I use them rarely, and at the end of my workout to try to strengthen a very weak kick. Though I don't want to add a bunch of toys, I have wondered about fist gloves? One of the posts here makes it sound like you can get the same benefit from holding tennis balls in your hands? Perhaps I will try that. a thread on pet peeves would most likely bring a large string of responses!! Nancy

I believe the addage "anything in moderation won't hurt you". "Pool toys" can have many beneficial aspects, not the least is providing variety. 10 or more years at 10 000 metres per week can become a drone for anyone...fins and paddle are great for variety, feeling speed, magnifying different stroke/kick parts, etc. etc. But again, with pool toys, less is more. Shaky's post was a chuckle. Worst is the twit with paddles and a wide arm recovery: he/she is the modern day aqua-guillotine! This type usually hogs the middle of the lane, too. Maybe that's a thread - pet peeves in the pool.