So I have small paddles I use for *** drill (pressing the water).
I've swam a little front crawl with them too but I don't really know what I ought to be doing.
What is the use of paddles going to do for me?
Are there various types of target goals (speed or sttrength) that require different uses?
Will it create shoulder issues?
Any set ideas for an average swimmer?
Should I swim or just pull with them on?
Thanks...
Parents
Former Member
I am a believer in the use of paddles. I believe they are a wonderful diagnostic tool. Many years ago, my coach (Joe Gentry) had us take off the wrist strap and loosen the finger strap. It was awful at first - the paddles kept coming off. However, as you develop a feel for the water and keep your elbow up and your hand in the correct position, they stay on.
I am coaching now and use them regularly to teach technique. Alternating 100s or 200s with and without paddles help you learn the technique. With the swimmers I coach, I have to watch that they do not strap them on tightly or hold them on with their fingers. I keep repeating that if you do the stroke incorrectly, you will get shoulder problems. If you do the stroke incorrectly with paddles, you'll get shoulder problems faster. Let the paddles loose and let them tell you where you are wrong. It really works.
Thanks Betsy, that's good info. I do that no wrist and loose finger grip on *** pull, so I'll use the same idea for crawl and see what happens.
I am a believer in the use of paddles. I believe they are a wonderful diagnostic tool. Many years ago, my coach (Joe Gentry) had us take off the wrist strap and loosen the finger strap. It was awful at first - the paddles kept coming off. However, as you develop a feel for the water and keep your elbow up and your hand in the correct position, they stay on.
I am coaching now and use them regularly to teach technique. Alternating 100s or 200s with and without paddles help you learn the technique. With the swimmers I coach, I have to watch that they do not strap them on tightly or hold them on with their fingers. I keep repeating that if you do the stroke incorrectly, you will get shoulder problems. If you do the stroke incorrectly with paddles, you'll get shoulder problems faster. Let the paddles loose and let them tell you where you are wrong. It really works.
Thanks Betsy, that's good info. I do that no wrist and loose finger grip on *** pull, so I'll use the same idea for crawl and see what happens.
