Benefits of Paddles?

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:42:43 GMT

Doug, I agree that paddles can be a source of injury and have been very specific in using them. No more than 400 meters per workout when I do use them and only when I am warmed up. So far, so good. I have noticed that I started to have a nice residual effect in the rest of my workout and started to get ahead of my lane mates in a way that had not happened before. We are the medium speed lane. But I am also at my one year aniiversary of returning to the pool after a 35 year absence. My coach had told me it would take about a year before I would get my speed up to my older levels. So, the change in my progress is probalby more attitrbutable to a change in my development and fitness than the paddles. That being said, I was just videotaped and had my coach do a stroke analysis, which was my first stroke class in my life. While it was rather depressing ot see all that I do wrong, it is encouraging to see that I have loads of things to work on that should help my speed. And no paddle ever made will help me until I get my stroke mechanics in order. The great thing about swimming is there is always more to learn. Keeps me young. Rob

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:40:10 GMT

I love paddles but my shoulders are giving me issues right now so I don't currently use them.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:37:51 GMT

I used paddles for a few laps at workout yesterday. I was flying! Lokslike these will work best with me for about 400 meters of swimming at most. Then back to swimming without paddles. It really helped my stroke placement and I felt myself catching more water during my pull.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Doug Adamavich — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:27:01 GMT

I swear at paddles and refuse to wear them. Back in Age Group and High School days (mid-80's) they were popular with my coaches. My doctor thought they were a contributing factor to an injury I had, I tend to agree with him. After that, I reduced my paddle use and did not experience any additional problems. In college, we did not use paddles at all. We were a Top-10 Division III program and my coaches were top-notch. They tended to use a lot of kick sets and pulling along with TONS of IM. No paddles needed, we all swam pretty good. My person opinion is that paddles put too much stress on your arms and shoulders. I also think that the feel you get from them is unnatural and distorts your training. My preference is to use different stroke drills (fists, fingertip drag, etc.) to work on attaining good "feel" whilst swimming. YMMV so don't take what I have to say as Gospel. ...oh and not using paddles saves space in my bag :)

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:21:38 GMT

One thing not mentioned so far: injuries. Paddles put a lot of stress on your shoulder and elbow, and can lead to significant tendon and other tears. If you feel pain when using them, I'd recommend you go without them (speaking from personal experience).

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

knelson — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:55:42 GMT

I learned how to swim before paddles were invented, so I don't get paddles. Yet presumably you were also around before personal computers existed and you've learned to use them. :)

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:52:07 GMT

If using paddles doesnt make a significant difference in your times, you shouldn't use them. Or perhaps I should say, you probably are not strong enough to get any benefit from using them.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

james lucas — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:53:41 GMT

I learned how to swim before paddles were invented, so I don't get paddles. Nonetheless, someone suggested "finger paddles" - relatively small paddles that cover not much more than the fingers - as a tool to help refine my backstroke pull. The theory is that they will help you feel your "catch" on the water at various points of the stroke; I plan to try them ...

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Allen Stark — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:21:01 GMT

I have twitchy shoulders and don't use paddles,except occasionally in the strapless paddle breaststroke drill.I have noticed many non-competitive type swimmers whose stroke mechanics get worse with paddles,especially dropping their elbows.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:16:34 GMT

I think in most instances, pulling without paddles is better. If you are able to keep up with the others, I think it improves overall feel to pull without paddles. The main benefit of paddles is either strength or easier speed. Since speed is not an issue for you, you should only use them as needed to build strength. This is pretty much why I do with paddles :)

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

JoeBob — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:01:36 GMT

When I was a kid I used to love huge paddles because I had a lousy stroke but a strong upper body (42 pull-ups). After 15 years away from the pool and numerous shoulder injuries, now I only use paddles sparingly.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:52:12 GMT

I'm a late start to swimming, and paddles have been very helpful in developing my stroke in freestyle - focusing on my pull to be long and strong, and building a rythym where I glide and rotate with each stroke.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:52:42 GMT

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

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:46:02 GMT

Thanks for all of the quick responses. I will give them a try and see how they fit my workouts and if I even like them.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:24:45 GMT

I use paddles all the time. Every swim.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:23:27 GMT

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:01:02 GMT

If I were to use paddles for 500 - 1000m every other practice that would be 50% to 75% of my total swimming using paddles. I never use them. I generally like to pull with paddles 500-1000m every other practice

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:51:43 GMT

After a 23 year break I started back using paddles 3 months ago (2 months after I got back in). I don't use them in a set, only during a distance--300-500. I concentrate on my stroke using as few strokes as possible per lap. I also take the wrist straps off. I used to have shoulder problems as a teen and am extra paranoid of having them return. Keeping it slow has worked for me.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Former Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:14 GMT

I never thought of using paddles without straps for breaststroke, but definitely need to try...makes sense.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

FlyQueen — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:00:39 GMT

I have mixed feelings on paddles. I love them for backstroke - due to my exceptional catch (:shakeshead:). I would make sure you don't get paddles that are too big and work up to using them more. I also don't think you should use them in every workout. If your shoulders start getting achy back off the paddles for awhile.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

FlyQueen — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:07:06 GMT

I also only use the finger strap not the wrist strap - it forces you not to cheat. I also have used paddles for the evil stroke. I use no straps at all this way I am forced to have pressure on the water during the entire pull phase.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

aztimm — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:00:55 GMT

I agree with Kirk on this. I've seen some folks use paddles for entire sets, and others who refuse. Some people just refuse to use any toys, while others will take anything that makes them feel fast. With paddles on, I'm definitely faster.... 10 x 100 (SCY) @ 1:20 would be a struggle for me without (depending on the day), but with paddles I'd be able to do it no problem, probably even 1:15. That said, the rare times I use paddles-- * a long, boring set, and I'll use paddles to break up the monotony. something like a few 400s or 500s+, I'll use paddles for maybe 1 or 2. * a breath control set. again there's arguements whether these sets are effective, but for say a 200 breathing every 7, I can do it with paddles...without is a struggle. If I had to give an estimate of how often I use paddles, it is about once every 3 weeks, for maybe 20-30% of a set, at the most. I could go 2-3 months without. I had a coach ages ago at a local YMCA (I think he has passed away since), who would have me sometimes swim with fins + paddles so I'd know what that fast feeling felt like. It was sometimes difficult to turn and especially stop. But he used rings for some drill sets, and lots of other toys. I've had TYR Catalyst paddles for years now, maybe even 10. I replace the tubing periodically, but the paddles themselves are mostly fine. They are rather large, one guy who I swim with and will use them says they're like dinner plates.

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

Rykno — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:49:43 GMT

my experience with paddles is I am faster in comparison to others with out them, but slower with them. (or not as fast, I swim faster, but I don't get as much speed from them as others do) But what I like about swimming with paddles in the middle of my workouts is the feeling after taking them off. using your 10x100m example. I could swim those with paddles st 1:30 and be tired work hard. but after I take them off, it feels so much easier to swim the same 100 come into the wall at 1:20 and feel like I didn't work nearly has hard. I generally like to pull with paddles 500-1000m every other practice

RE: Benefits of Paddles?

knelson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:02:27 GMT

Give them a try. Whenever this topic comes up there's always a mixed bag of responses. Some people swear by paddles, others swear at paddles. :) My suggestion is to use them in moderation. Yes, some people tend to use them as a crutch. If you're using paddles merely to make a tougher sendoff, that's probably not a good reason to use them. If you feel like they're putting too much strain on your shoulders quit using them.