Today, for the first time ever, I decided to use paddles for my workout. It seemed simple enough. I've watched the age groupers and other masters swimmers. I grabbed a pair, put my fingers through the catches and started on my way. It seemed to be fairly easy to use them The first few laps seemed quite easy. Then about halfway through, the paddles started to float off of my hands. I kept stopping to secure them between sets, but it just kept happening. Everytime I would get into a rythym, they would loosen and start floating off. I was using these Strokemakers. I did notice that there was only tubing in place for the finger catch, not the wrist catch. Could this have been the problem?? Was it incorrect technique that was causing them to float away from my hands? Other than the floating problem, they worked really well. Suggestions?
Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions. Conniekat8: The tubing did keep getting loose on my finger, but it does sound like I need to work on my stroke entry! Swimsister: I'll definitely try using two fingers and see if that helps me. Lump: Thanks for the great drill sites. I plan to start using these tomorrow!!!
Thanks for those drills Lump! I can't wait to use them at the pool tomorrow!
Former Member
I still use the same pair of these that I had in college (the bigger blue ones) that are 20 years old and the only strap I use is the one that goes over the middle finger.
As others have suggested you'll need a high elbow catch and efficient stroke. Here are some great drills with them for freestylers:
www.facebook.com/.../video.phpp.castfire.com/castfire_v3.swf
Former Member
Yep, if the middle finger tubing is snug it's probably a technique issue. My team's coaches remove the wrist tubing. If you're dropping your elbow, it is readily apparent.
Swimming butterfly with paddles is a little different. It's a little more challenging to finish the pull without the paddles coming off.
Former Member
I looooove to swim with paddles, I wish paddle swimming was an event at masters meets ...
I agree that incorrect technique may cause the paddle to fall off, but if you don't do it already, try putting two fingers (Index and middle) instead of just one in the finger strap. For me this makes it easier to get the paddles correctly through the water.
Former Member
Does the tubing get loosened, or do the paddles of get pulled off mid-stroke?
If they get pulled off mid stroke (and it's not the fault of the tubing getting too loose) you may be letting your hand twist sideways or in some odd direction, where the water force gets between the paddle and the hand, and pulls it off. If you hand starts going sideways, most often there's enough force there to pull the tubing out of the paddle. I don't know if that's a safety feature, so your hand doesn't get sprained, in case it twists with too much force.
It can be a bit of a balancing act at first to find a good 'handfull grab' with the paddle on, and not twist your hand sideways. maybe as you got into the groove, and became less aware of the paddles on your hands, you started doing something with your hands that you are unaware of. That happens. Wrist strap is not necessary to keep the paddle on your hand.
When we do underwater video analisys, we often see people do things with their hands, that they're not aware of, and that we often don't see under water. I've seen plenty of people slide their hand through the water leading with, almost the wrist first, letting the hand bend backwards, or slide it sideways though the water, not getting a good 'hand and forearm-full of water to pull on'. Both of those could cause the paddle to get caught and pulled off.
If that's not the case, it's not unheard of to have defective tubing. If you don't see any visible flaws or elasticity problems with it, If you swim with other people, ask a teammate to switch paddles for a few laps, and see if the same thing happens to you or them. That'll help you figure out if it's the technique, or the paddle itself :)
HTH :)
Former Member
Paddles often come with a strap for the middle fingers and one around the wrist.
If the paddle is not too large and cumbersome, and when your stroke gets clean enough, you should be able to ditch the wrist strap.
Yes they will come off at first, but that's the whole point. You'll be forced into maintaining a cleaner entry.
Having ideal technique will ultimately ensure that they stay on even if it's just by the two middle fingers. (exactly what swimsister said)
Did some more paddle work today. I put my index and middle finger through the catches, like SwimSister suggested. That seemed to help a whole lot!! Also, I really, really worked on my stroke technique today. After a few minutes, I got the hang of it and had no more problems.
Hoffman: That is a good suggestion about getting my own paddles. There's always different sizes left in the equipment box, when I get there.
Former Member
Oh, poo, I totally missed that those aren't your own paddles. Yes, having your own may help, especially when you're first starting to use them. After you've used them a year or two, your technique will develop more, so little differences won't throw you off as much. When you're new, I'm all for getting what's comfortable enough to keep you doing IT.
Also, be careful to not go too big too soon, especially if you're a relatively new swimmer, who doesn't have well developed upper body strength. :)
Not saying that *you* would. I'm just going by my own history..."Yes, I can grit my teeth and do it"... then end up on the injured bench.
Former Member
I suggest you buy your own pair. You do not want to be changing sizes, grip, or finger placement.
Everyone probably has an opinion on which ones they like. I used to use the Tyr Catalyst, but they are very stiff, and the recommended size was too large for me. I changed to the Tyr Mentor and I like them very much. They are thinner and flex a bit in your hand.
