In the “Readers Ask” section on page 11 of the latest issue of USMS Swimmer (as shown on the home page of this site), there is a question about the use of paddles.
The reply (from Randy Nutt of the Boca and Gold Coast Masters) says something to the effect that “……..Paddles increase distance per stroke and enable the swimmer to achieve some very fast speeds in a work out”.
As I’ve said repeatedly, the main problem in swimming is how to get more propulsion –not reduce drag- and paddles and flippers provide the most drastic improvement in speed.
So here’s the $64,000 question: If FINA allows the use of so called tech suits which increase speed by purportedly reducing drag, why aren’t paddles and flippers (which increase speed through enhanced propulsion) also allowed? :confused:
Dolphin 2
Timm, I've swam with you a number of times and have noticed the classic "elbow" drop and hip over-rotation when your not using paddles...this explains why your faster with the gear. The work needed is finding the same angle of attack on your catch that the paddles overcompensate for...one thing I'd suggest is taking the wrist straps off (it will force you to use much better technique because if you don't they'll fly off)...I would also encourage you to use them a little bit every workout but slow down and pay attention to what is happening vs. use them for speed.
Not to diss the thread topic, but it seems very tired....been there, done that a million times....so I'll be selfish and respond to Paul.
Hey Paul, thanks for the tips. I did around a 400 loosen down swim after my run/abs workout at the gym tonight. Right after I started, I thought of your comments, and really tried to get my elbows high. The people in the hot tub must have thought I was throwing my arms out or something. I wished I had brought my paddles (they were in my car), but since I was already violating the, "No flip turns," sign, that may have been pushing it.
I'll try the paddles/no wrist straps at workout tomorrow. I may get to the noon or evening workout at ASU on Thurs, are you coaching either?
Timm, I've swam with you a number of times and have noticed the classic "elbow" drop and hip over-rotation when your not using paddles...this explains why your faster with the gear. The work needed is finding the same angle of attack on your catch that the paddles overcompensate for...one thing I'd suggest is taking the wrist straps off (it will force you to use much better technique because if you don't they'll fly off)...I would also encourage you to use them a little bit every workout but slow down and pay attention to what is happening vs. use them for speed.
Not to diss the thread topic, but it seems very tired....been there, done that a million times....so I'll be selfish and respond to Paul.
Hey Paul, thanks for the tips. I did around a 400 loosen down swim after my run/abs workout at the gym tonight. Right after I started, I thought of your comments, and really tried to get my elbows high. The people in the hot tub must have thought I was throwing my arms out or something. I wished I had brought my paddles (they were in my car), but since I was already violating the, "No flip turns," sign, that may have been pushing it.
I'll try the paddles/no wrist straps at workout tomorrow. I may get to the noon or evening workout at ASU on Thurs, are you coaching either?
