Is pulling still recommended? If so, with what type of equipment and what kind of drills? I've read conflicting views on this; one article in Swim a few years back implied that pulling (with paddles) was a good way to end up in the orthopedist's office with a shoulder problem.
Parents
Former Member
I swim Masters in Japan and used to compete in the US. I also coach military youth teams here in Japan as time permits. I am a strong believer in the use of pulling, with or without paddles. As noted by many others, risk of overuse injury is an issue, so select paddles carefully. I have at least 4 pair and alternate as appropriate. No paddles for ***, small paddles for fly, medium for back and largest for free. I even have a drag parachute for those boring summer long course days. Having said the above, I'd add that I do not pull (stop immediately) if any pain. I also use paddles for stroke, efficiency, recovery and those 3/5/7 alternate breathing sets. I never use them to sprint. I find the most value in using paddles on a longer (8 x 300) set for the purpose of cardiovascular conditioning. This "trains" me to swim faster and longer while maintaining a lower heart rate. A follow-up set without the paddles (or even with just a pull buoy) can further emphasize this. Just my thoughts and experience.
I swim Masters in Japan and used to compete in the US. I also coach military youth teams here in Japan as time permits. I am a strong believer in the use of pulling, with or without paddles. As noted by many others, risk of overuse injury is an issue, so select paddles carefully. I have at least 4 pair and alternate as appropriate. No paddles for ***, small paddles for fly, medium for back and largest for free. I even have a drag parachute for those boring summer long course days. Having said the above, I'd add that I do not pull (stop immediately) if any pain. I also use paddles for stroke, efficiency, recovery and those 3/5/7 alternate breathing sets. I never use them to sprint. I find the most value in using paddles on a longer (8 x 300) set for the purpose of cardiovascular conditioning. This "trains" me to swim faster and longer while maintaining a lower heart rate. A follow-up set without the paddles (or even with just a pull buoy) can further emphasize this. Just my thoughts and experience.
