I'd like to improve my technique. I've recently tried swimming with hand paddles, hoping it would improve my catch on my free and back.
However, I actually swim more slowly with them than without. And when I stop using them, I'm not all that comfortable with how the water feels.
Should I be worried about the paddles altering my stroke in a bad way? Perhaps paddles aren't meant for technique but for, say, power/strength?
I didn't use them when training as a youngster so I'm not sure what the consensus is as to their value now.
(I did find this related post: www.usms.org/.../showthread.php, but still not clear if they're for technique or for strength-building or both)
I am a real believer in the value of hand paddles for technique. They made a big difference for me. However, you must remove the wrist strap and loosen the finger strap. At first, it is hard to keep the paddles on. Don't try to hold them on with your hand. If you keep the pressure of the water against the paddle, they will stay on. Slow down and feel the water. It really works. I swim and coach. I tell my swimmers that bad stroke gives you shoulder problems. Using paddles (that are held tight with the writst and finger band) with a bad stroke will give you shoulder problems faster. Remove the wrist strap and loose the finger strap, then let the paddles help you to feel the water.
I am a real believer in the value of hand paddles for technique. They made a big difference for me. However, you must remove the wrist strap and loosen the finger strap. At first, it is hard to keep the paddles on. Don't try to hold them on with your hand. If you keep the pressure of the water against the paddle, they will stay on. Slow down and feel the water. It really works. I swim and coach. I tell my swimmers that bad stroke gives you shoulder problems. Using paddles (that are held tight with the writst and finger band) with a bad stroke will give you shoulder problems faster. Remove the wrist strap and loose the finger strap, then let the paddles help you to feel the water.
