Which swim toys, if any, are you currently using at least semi-regularly. Feel free to elaborate on why and when you use them! You can make as many choices as you like.
I forget to add breaststroke fins. You can just note if you are. I have just started kicking once in awhile with them. I aspire to learn the snorkle, but haven't gotten around to that yet. I also can't keep my nose clip on. Hoping to get the hang of it this winter to avoid sinus infections.
Parents
Former Member
The last season or two I havent really used too many toys--just fins (zoomers normally) when coach made us, or when my shoulders were really beat.
However, this season i have tried to incorporate toys into my workouts a little more because I think that if your using them for a purpose rather than as a crutch (like when I throw on fins to save my shoulders) they can really be beneficial. I use Kiefer's Stroke Perfection Hand Paddles--they are very small paddles that really help put the emphasis on the correct stroke form--while not being rough on the shoulders (even the worse shoulders). I think they have really helped me to get the feel and muscle memory for the straight arm underwater pull--and away from the "S" pull underwater. I use them for at least 300 yards a practice right now--hopefully as it becomes more of a habit when I don't use the paddles I will reduce how much I use them.
I don't normally use a kickboard, but if I do, the only one I will use is the Kiefer Classic kick board--it's awesome for people who have shoulder issues as well. And it's hand holds are in a manner that doesn't make using it a walk in the park--it still forces the swimmer to keep their core tight.
And I use the finis swimmer's snorkel once in a while--probably not as often as I should but maybe 1-2 times every week.
I use a pull buoy when my shoulders are feeling good, or when I need to concentrate on my arm placement--but I feel I get better body roll and movement if I just drag my legs without the buoy.
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The last season or two I havent really used too many toys--just fins (zoomers normally) when coach made us, or when my shoulders were really beat.
However, this season i have tried to incorporate toys into my workouts a little more because I think that if your using them for a purpose rather than as a crutch (like when I throw on fins to save my shoulders) they can really be beneficial. I use Kiefer's Stroke Perfection Hand Paddles--they are very small paddles that really help put the emphasis on the correct stroke form--while not being rough on the shoulders (even the worse shoulders). I think they have really helped me to get the feel and muscle memory for the straight arm underwater pull--and away from the "S" pull underwater. I use them for at least 300 yards a practice right now--hopefully as it becomes more of a habit when I don't use the paddles I will reduce how much I use them.
I don't normally use a kickboard, but if I do, the only one I will use is the Kiefer Classic kick board--it's awesome for people who have shoulder issues as well. And it's hand holds are in a manner that doesn't make using it a walk in the park--it still forces the swimmer to keep their core tight.
And I use the finis swimmer's snorkel once in a while--probably not as often as I should but maybe 1-2 times every week.
I use a pull buoy when my shoulders are feeling good, or when I need to concentrate on my arm placement--but I feel I get better body roll and movement if I just drag my legs without the buoy.
680
681
682
