Finis Agility Paddles: Understanding, Technique, and Training Benefits

How Do You Use Finis Agility Paddles?

Finis Agility Paddles are a unique, strapless swimming tool designed to provide immediate feedback on hand position and stroke technique, primarily focusing on developing an early vertical forearm (EVF) and an effective catch.

Understanding Finis Agility Paddles

Finis Agility Paddles stand apart from traditional swim paddles due to their distinctive design: they are strapless and feature a convex, ergonomic shape that fits the natural contour of the hand. This strapless design is their defining characteristic and primary pedagogical tool. Unlike conventional paddles that strap onto the hand, the Agility Paddles will immediately fall off if your hand enters the water incorrectly, slips during the catch, or applies pressure unevenly. This instant, undeniable feedback forces swimmers to maintain a high elbow and a strong, consistent pull through the water.

The Science Behind Agility Paddles

The effectiveness of Finis Agility Paddles is rooted in principles of biomechanics and motor learning:

• Proprioceptive Feedback: The strapless design provides an immediate, tangible consequence for improper technique. If the hand is not angled correctly to "catch" the water, or if pressure is lost during the pull, the paddle will detach. This forces the swimmer's brain to make rapid adjustments, enhancing proprioception – the body's sense of its position and movement.
• Reinforcing Early Vertical Forearm (EVF): A cornerstone of efficient freestyle, the EVF involves positioning the forearm and hand as a large, flat surface that presses directly backward against the water as early as possible in the stroke. The Agility Paddles encourage this by requiring the swimmer to maintain constant pressure on the paddle's surface, which is best achieved with an EVF.
• Improved Catch and Pull: The paddle's design helps swimmers feel the water pressure throughout the entire "pull" phase of the stroke, from the initial catch to the finish. This cultivates a more powerful and efficient propulsion.
• Reduced Shoulder Strain: By promoting proper hand entry and EVF, the paddles help alleviate stress on the shoulder joint, which can be prone to injury with poor technique. They encourage the use of larger, stronger back and core muscles rather than relying solely on the shoulder.

Key Benefits of Using Agility Paddles

Incorporating Finis Agility Paddles into your training can yield several significant advantages:

• Enhanced Feel for the Water: Develop a more acute sense of how to manipulate water for propulsion.
• Refined Stroke Mechanics: Specifically targets improvements in hand entry, the "catch" phase, and the overall pull.
• Increased Proprioception: Heightens body awareness in the water, leading to more intuitive technical adjustments.
• Reduced Risk of Injury: Encourages movements that are biomechanically sound, protecting vulnerable joints like the shoulder.
• Versatile Training Tool: Useful across multiple strokes, though most commonly applied to freestyle.

Proper Technique for Using Finis Agility Paddles

Using Finis Agility Paddles effectively requires mindful application rather than just strapping them on and swimming harder.

• Wearing the Paddles:

  • Place the paddle on the palm of your hand, ensuring it covers the full surface from fingers to the base of the palm.
  • The convex (curved outward) side of the paddle should face the water, and the flat side should rest against your palm.
  • Your fingers should be slightly spread and relaxed, not tightly gripping the paddle. The paddle should feel like an extension of your hand.
  • There are no straps; the paddle stays on purely through the pressure you apply to the water.

• Applying Them in Your Stroke:

  • Focus on Hand Entry: As your hand enters the water, ensure it's clean and angled to immediately "catch" the water. Any lateral movement or incorrect angle will cause the paddle to slip off.
  • The Catch Phase: This is where the paddles truly shine. As you initiate the pull, focus on pressing the palm of the paddle directly backward against the water, aiming for an immediate EVF. You should feel constant pressure on the paddle's surface.
  • The Pull Phase: Maintain continuous pressure throughout the pull, from the catch to the finish near your hip. The paddle's presence will highlight any moments where you lose contact or pressure with the water.
  • Mindful Swimming: Do not try to overpower the water. Instead, focus on feeling the water and adjusting your hand and forearm position to maintain constant pressure on the paddle. The goal is technique refinement, not brute force.

• Recommended Drills:

  • Sculling Drills: Perform various sculling drills (front scull, mid scull, rear scull) with the paddles. This isolates the "feel" for the water and trains fine motor control of the hand and forearm.
  • Single-Arm Drills: Focus on one arm at a time to identify specific technical flaws.
  • Full Stroke Integration: Once comfortable with the feel, integrate the paddles into full stroke swimming, maintaining the focus on the catch and pull. Start with shorter distances and higher stroke counts to emphasize technique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To maximize the benefits and prevent frustration, be aware of these common pitfalls:

• Gripping the Paddle: The paddle should rest on your hand, not be gripped. Gripping indicates tension and defeats the purpose of the strapless design.
• Using as a Resistance Tool: While they provide some resistance, their primary purpose is feedback. Don't try to pull harder; focus on pulling smarter.
• Ignoring Feedback: If the paddle falls off, don't just put it back on and continue. Analyze why it fell off (e.g., poor entry, slipping catch, loss of pressure).
• Improper Hand Entry: Splashing or entering the water with the hand angled incorrectly will cause the paddle to detach. Aim for a clean, precise entry.
• Forgetting Body Position: Good technique starts with a stable core and streamlined body position. Don't let your focus on the paddles compromise your overall swim posture.

Integrating Agility Paddles into Your Training Program

Agility paddles are best used as a technique-focused tool, not for every set.

• Warm-up Sets: Incorporate them into your warm-up to activate proper neuromuscular pathways.
• Technique Sets: Dedicate specific sets (e.g., 4 x 50m focus on catch, 2 x 100m continuous paddle swimming) to using the paddles.
• Cool-down: Use them in the cool-down to reinforce good habits after a challenging workout.
• Frequency: Start with 1-2 times per week and gradually increase as your technique improves. Quality of application far outweighs quantity.

Maintenance and Care

Finis Agility Paddles are durable, but a little care goes a long way:

• Rinse After Use: Always rinse your paddles with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine and other pool chemicals.
• Air Dry: Allow them to air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew or degradation.
• Store Properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Finis Agility Paddles are an invaluable tool for swimmers seeking to refine their stroke mechanics, particularly the critical catch and pull phases. By providing immediate, unforgiving feedback on hand position and pressure, they empower swimmers to develop a superior feel for the water, cultivate an efficient early vertical forearm, and ultimately swim with greater power and less effort. Embrace the feedback, analyze your mistakes, and use these paddles as a diagnostic instrument to unlock your full swimming potential.