swim training with paddles

dickidy

Im looking for advice please.
Im looking at mixing up my swim training. I have not been getting much gains recently. I have gone longer but not faster. I have read that paddles are a good way to build power and pace.
does anyone have any advice on what paddles to get.
The choice on amazone is huge

thanks in advance

WeeBushy

My overall philosophy on toys is that they are, for the general swimmer, not the best use of your time. They for sure have there place and can be a great aid for specific tasks, that you are specifically struggling with, but overall focussing on getting your technique down perfectly would be a better use of your time to get faster. But that's just me, I'm sure others might disagree.

So paddles can play a part in this, but should be only a small part imo.

For example I use these finis ones during some technique sets (for helping developing a good entry) as my catch falters at times: https://www.finisswim.com/Freestyler-Hand-Paddles-Adult But I only use them for a specific purpose that I struggle with. They'd be pointless people who don't have this problem.

A friend uses these for the purpose you're asking about and says they're good, but haven't tried them myself: https://www.speedo.com/uk/en/power-paddle/802761.html

A word of caution on power paddles though, if you're stroke has faults the paddles will inevitably out extra strain on you (as is their job!) which can cause injuries more easily if you're not in the correct position.

To improve power and pace I don't think anything beats focusing on correcting technique flaws during sessions, and interval training: repeated short sets at a pace you can just about sustain with a short rest in between. E.g. 50m/100m/200m at about 80% of your top pace with 5-15s rest in between. Repeat, say, 10 times. Or go of a set time (e.g. 2 minutes) and whatever is left in that two minutes is your rest. I think that's best as you then can't cheat the clock when you get tired to the end of a set - have to keep up the pace or you get no rest!

No better way at improving speed imo..

dickidy

i was planning on working on my technique more and my understanding was that paddles would help while also gaining power.
But yes i did read to start with very short sets .
Thanks for taking the time to respond, its much appreciated .