My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?

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2009-07-06 8:42 PM

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Subject: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
Need to improve my technique for the swim.  When I started tri's, I saw that somebody highly recommended the Finis Forearm Fulcrum to improve swim technique.  Here is what they are:  http://www.finisinc.com/en/P-10502850/Forearm-Fulcrum-Sr  For some reason or another, I never got comfortable with them and put them away in the closet.

Fast forward a year and my swim still stinks.  When I was with my Master's group, I asked the coach about my technique and she said that my stroke itself was a bit sloppy and recommended that I use a set of paddles.  I saw these Finis Freestyler paddles:  http://www.finisinc.com/en/P-10502050/Freestyler-Hand-Paddles that seem like they are pretty cool. 

Question-- should I get the Freestyler paddles or should I just continue trying to use the forearm fulcrum? Do they complement each other or are they both specific tools that have a different purpose?

Thanks,
-Nick

Edited by brownnugen 2009-07-06 8:44 PM

2009-07-06 9:07 PM
in reply to: #2266122

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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
Paddles.
2009-07-06 9:26 PM
in reply to: #2266122

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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
Paddles, but go get some Strokemakers. I think that they are much better.
http://swimshops.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=209


2009-07-07 12:52 AM
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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
I have to admit, I never "got" what the fulcrum was supposed to do or correct. Maybe, not dropping your wrist or something. I think I used them 2 or 3 times. I never use paddles anymore either, I have the Finis Freestyler, I guess they work OK. They don't have as much surface area so they probably won't put as much strain on your shoulders.
2009-07-07 11:45 AM
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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
Remember that there are like 3 sizes of paddles depending on your ability etc....
2009-07-07 11:57 AM
in reply to: #2266122

Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
The only thing that will correct your stroke is conscious effort from your brain. Paddles won't correct your stroke.

2009-07-07 12:09 PM
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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
meepx2 - 2009-07-07 10:57 AM The only thing that will correct your stroke is conscious effort from your brain. Paddles won't correct your stroke.


x2. Your just going to get stronger at "sloppy technique". If you really want to improve your swim technique, get some one on one lessons with a good coach. Preferably get some video so you can see what you are doing. Usually masters coaches are pretty busy with all the swimmers to really help, at least were I swam masters.
2009-07-07 1:11 PM
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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
tjfry - 2009-07-06 9:26 PM Paddles, but go get some Strokemakers. I think that they are much better.
http://swimshops.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=209




I have been browsing around for something like this for a while - muscular strength and endurance is definitely my holdback.  I currently swim 1:35/100 or so  (I have good stroke mechanics).  Sizing advice?  Perhaps for the OP, as well. 
2009-07-07 2:11 PM
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Subject: RE: My swim technique stinks- I have forearm fulcrum, should I also get these?
gerald12 - 2009-07-07 12:09 PM
meepx2 - 2009-07-07 10:57 AM The only thing that will correct your stroke is conscious effort from your brain. Paddles won't correct your stroke.


x2. Your just going to get stronger at "sloppy technique". If you really want to improve your swim technique, get some one on one lessons with a good coach. Preferably get some video so you can see what you are doing. Usually masters coaches are pretty busy with all the swimmers to really help, at least were I swam masters.


I don't entirely agree. Yes of course you need to work on your technique, but paddles.....good paddles tend to exaggerate your motions and can highlight your flaws. Dropping your elbow? your paddles will likely slide off(or you'll have trouble keeping them in place). Pitch in your hand off? the paddle will dart off in the wrong direction. There's no need to spend your whole workout with paddles, but likewise there isn't any need to pin all your hopes on some swim lessons. Swimming will make you a better swimmer.

As to sizing... Some of it will depend on your comfort level (there is no fit kit or retul haha) but you want the paddle to extend a little beyond the tops of your fingers. To use myself as an example, I am pretty average, 5'11" and measuring my hand here at my desk I come up with about 7.5 to 8 inches (bottom of palm to tip of middle finger) and I wear blue paddles.
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