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...
Former Member
So many paddle users.
I have never used paddles but have instructed swimmers to use paddles. They are a good instrument to teach the underwater portion of the stroke to learn hand position. I do not recommend more then a few lengths using paddles and do not recommend power swimming paddle use.
I can't say that I have ever seen anyone do a sprint set with paddles, and it sounds like an avenue to an injury quite frankly.
I never do more than one set of 8 X 25m with a 25 recovery between each sprint and, at least, a minute's rest. I only do it once a week (usually on a Friday) and never after I have lifted weights.
It is more of a controlled sprint, though. You have to be very strict on form. It never hurts my shoulders, only my triceps and my forearms.
I have some Techpaddles which I use on occasion. I generally do a slow catch-up drill with them so I can watch my arm position. I also carry a pair of tennis balls and do fist drills with them. Like Coach T said, ultra-slow.
I used to have a pair of big yellow rectangular paddles. Left 'em at the pool one day by mistake and never bothered to replace them. I like pulling better without them anyway.
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I would suspect that paddles could be useful for building up the muscles used in the stroke.
Something else that paddles have helped me with, is realizing how weak my left-arm catch is. The paddles force me to really pay attention to that arm too.
The age-group swimmers at my local pool use paddles for about one set a session, but it's always done as part of their "slow swimming" freestyle work. Basically 1000m straight focusing on good distance per stroke.
That being said, I think it's always good to "visualize" catching as much water as you can, and feeling this catch, even when you're NOT wearing paddles. I'm surprised by how much water I can actually catch if I'm really are thoughtful about each stroke.
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.
i have a pair of speedo paddles that are shaped like a potato chip and are not any bigger than my hand. they can assist in finding the best hand position (grip) but unlike those big monsters, won't make you feel like you are moving in slow motion when you take them off. i don't use them regularly....only when i am looking to correct/improve some small detail that their design would help with.
