across this statutory information on overusage of paddles
"Definitely be careful with them. They are good training tools, but its very easy to overdo, and to give yourself rotator cuff problems. (Believe me, I know about this part of it!)
The paddles are not to be used to "get stronger" through resistance training. They should be used to improve your feel of the water, and to improve your stroke. They will specifically cure you of dropped elbows...espescially if you remove the bands that go around your wrist, and only leave the little band that goes around your middle finger. If you swim with dropped elbows the paddles will fall off.
Basically they provide greater surface area to your hand, and thereby greater resistance to the water. This is not about resistance training like using weights, but rather to exaggerate the feel of the water so that you can more easily appreciate the different resistance you feel when your hands are pitched properly, your arms are in the right place, etc. And also to give you the feeling of moving fast through the water.
Beware of overuse because they can give shoulder injury really really quickly. Read about them on the web or in training books. "
"In all my years of swimming, I NEVER used paddles with anything but the middle finger tubing. (The only kind I ever used were basic, rectangular, medium sized paddles.) That forces you to "finesse" your way through the water, rather than "force" your way. Paddles are best used for improving stroke technique. Your turnover will (and should) be slower with paddles. Focus on your stroke. Notice how your hands leave the water and how they enter and focus on your catch. You'll have fun playing with them. And like folks said - don't overdo it - it will lead to shoulder injuries. "
Remember, paddles are a tool, not a crutch! (I'm having memories of these guys at masters workouts who would CRANK when we were pulling, and then seriously LAG once they took their paddles off.) Don't let that be you! :)"
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