In my recent post about paddles, a tri coach left this comment about using paddles to develop proper technique:

Nice post, Carol. IMO paddles are best used in training to perfect two subtle details of form:

1) a full reach, without dropping the wrist–if you do, the paddles’ increased surface area causes you to instantly, dramatically decelerate. Imagine the effect of putting your hand out in the classic “Stop” gesture; and

2) a proper initiation of the pull. I use the metaphor “roll your pinky over the far outside corner of the ball.” Paddles penalize you for failing to do this.

Mark McDonnell

The past two times I went swimming, I focused on these things.

1) I am indeed dropping my wrist in the “Stop” gesture noted above. It was so slight that I never noticed it until I actually looked for it. And the paddles really emphasized it. I am working on correcting

2) I don’t get this one. I tried the pinky concept that Mark describes, but all it does is cause my arm to drift sideways, across the centerline of my body.

paddle.jpgBTW, I was using the TYR Catalyst paddles, small yellow size.