Hello Fellow Swimmers,
I have been back in the pool for about 11 months after a 35 year absence and have steadily made progress and now want to start working on my stroke. I have noticed that when we do pull sets, I can move at a pretty reasonable speed (10 x 100M free on 1:40 with me consistently hitting the wall at about 1:30) without killing myself. I do not use paddles but do use a buoy during pull sets. In my lane, I notice that I can keep up with those who use the paddles except for a few of the faster ones. ( I characterize myself as an average speed swimmer)
I have noticed that many of the folks in the fast lane were pulling out their paddles when working on a 1:25 interval for the 100 free sets. That is a pretty quick interval and I do not think I could make a full set of ten at this time.
So, I have been toying with the idea of using paddles during pull sets. I am an "upper body" swimmer with a pretty good pull technique and I wonder if it would help me increase my strength or just be a crutch. I say that because I ditched my fins about six months ago and it made me a much better kicker.
What are everyone's experiences out there? Is shoulder injury a worry? I have never used these things and would love to have input on their strengths and weaknesses.
Thanks
Parents
Former Member
I have the basic rectangular kind and always remove the wrist strap, leaving only the finger loop, so that they remind me to push all the way through freestyle pulls or they pop off. Power catch-up drills work well.
Personal weakness seems to be shortchanging my pull when I get tired, the paddles help remind me not to.
But they can mess with your shoulders. Start slow and ramp up gradually. They are also forbidden during public swim at my pool, neighboring lanes live in fear of the wayward recovery.
Good luck,
DV
I have the basic rectangular kind and always remove the wrist strap, leaving only the finger loop, so that they remind me to push all the way through freestyle pulls or they pop off. Power catch-up drills work well.
Personal weakness seems to be shortchanging my pull when I get tired, the paddles help remind me not to.
But they can mess with your shoulders. Start slow and ramp up gradually. They are also forbidden during public swim at my pool, neighboring lanes live in fear of the wayward recovery.
Good luck,
DV
