Your techpaddles

The techpaddle is a revolutionary forearm swim training paddle designed to promote an Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) and they should be used by Freestylers, Backstrokers, Breaststrokers, and Butterflyers. The techpaddle is a training device that is used slowly and should not be used like handpaddles. Start training with them for one or two lengths of the pool and at swimming speeds 50% to 75% slower than normal. If swimmers cannot see their hands / forearms duplicating the proper EVF, they’re training with them too fast. Developing an EVF requires concentration on technique, not speed. The techpaddle helps you create the muscle memory (habits) that will stay with you during each and every race. If world record holders spend hours trying to improve their "catch", shouldn't you?

• Choose the correct size for your needs.
• Make sure the paddles are secure but not uncomfortable.
• Don't hold onto the handle to tightly and don't open your hand.
• You grip your hand around the handle to dilute the effect an open hand has during propulsion (don't cheat by opening your grip).

Begin each stroke and each drill with a streamline position and full extension of the arm or arms. Move your knuckles down and outside the shoulders, this motion will put your forearm in a vertical position where your knuckles are directly under the elbow (above the elbow in the backstroke). Once a vertical forearm position is established early and in front of the shoulders, the rest of the pulling pattern will follow. Swimming too fast doesn't allow the swimmer to keep the forearm in front of the shoulders, so it's worth saying again - Slow Down! By establishing an Early Vertical Forearm, for as long as possible, muscle memory begins to develop a championship propulsive habit responsible for speed.

Use one arm drills that allow you to focus on each arm independently (for backstroke and freestyle). Use a dogpaddle drill to focus only on the EVF for freestyle. Use simultaneous two arm dogpaddle drills to double the EVF exposure time for freestyle, breaststroke and butterfly. Swim very slowly for forty minutes or more and only concentrate on one thing - Your EVF.

Click here to read "Early Vertical Forearm—Holy Grail to Fast Swimming?" by Tom Topolski