Common Issues & Diagnosis

Novice

Synptom Issue Coaching
Short drive Opening up early Legs only drills, Pause at body over on the recovery. Lengthen the stroke
Short catch Hips tight, too upright/not hinging Hinge over, demonstrate power of swing with whole boat doing it, pick drill 1/2 reach
Long catch Slumped forward at catch losigg core/lats Stay tall, work on that core, shoulders wide and low
Head turned, timing off Distraction, loss of focus Watch the cross stroke’s shoulder/button of your stroke
Noisy catch/splashy catch Forcing blade in, too much tension Relaxation at the front end and commitment to full reach. Catch drills, splash drill
Shoulders hunched Lats not engaged, shallow breathing, breaks tension, early fatigue Shoulders wide and low
Washing out / finish early Core engagement Posture, hand height, pause at finish
Jerky hands away (disrupt rowers behind on recovery) Core on recovery, tension at finish Blade control, core control. Slow rate, arms and body only rowing
Bouncy blade Inconsistent pressure Drive with both legs/arms straight
Soft Drive, boat has no power but rhythm good Not applying force through legs, weak catch Catch together / heavy catch, connect the heel

Intermediate

Synptom Issue Coaching
Short drive Opening up early Legs only drills, Pause at body over on the recovery. Lengthen the stroke
Short catch Hips tight, too upright/not hinging Hinge over, demonstrate power of swing with whole boat doing it, pick drill 1/2 reach
Long catch Slumped forward at catch losigg core/lats Stay tall, work on that core, shoulders wide and low
Head turned, timing off Distraction, loss of focus Watch the cross stroke’s shoulder/button of your stroke
Noisy catch/splashy catch Forcing blade in, too much tension Relaxation at the front end and commitment to full reach. Catch drills, splash drill
Shoulders hunched Lats not engaged, shallow breathing, breaks tension, early fatigue Shoulders wide and low
Washing out / finish early Core engagement Posture, hand height, pause at finish
Jerky hands away (disrupt rowers behind on recovery) Core on recovery, tension at finish Blade control, core control. Slow rate, arms and body only rowing
Bouncy blade Inconsistent pressure Drive with both legs/arms straight
Soft Drive, boat has no power but rhythm good Not applying force through legs, weak catch Catch together / heavy catch, connect the heel