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
Former Member
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.
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'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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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 ...
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.
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. :)
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).
