Rhythm – The Rowing Playbook

Eyes Closed

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 09:07:02 +0000

Taking regular strokes, have the rowers close their eyes. This will force them to focusing on feeling for and hearing the cues needed to row together, and may also allow them to relax, especially in the upper body.

Note

In blind boats, either ensure a coach is watching and giving any required steering commands, or have at least one rower sitting out to steer.

Catch Placement

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:46:42 +0000

Start at the finish, with the boat stationary and blades squared and buried. Then take one full recovery, ending with the blades buried at the catch. Do not take a stroke, but reset to the finish. Watch for correct posture, timing and handle heights. Repeat as needed.

Note

To ensure the boat is set during this drill, in larger boats, have rowers sit out with their blades flat on the water to help balance.

Rusties

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:55:11 +0000

Take a full stroke, but pause at bodies over on the recovery. From here reverse direction back to the finish, then complete the recovery all the way to the catch and repeat. The blades should be off the water throughout all of the extended recovery, challenging the rowers to stay balanced. This also emphasizes rhythm and moving together.

Note

Named after Australian coach Rusty Robertson

Cut the Cake

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:53:55 +0000

Take a full stroke, but at bodies over on the recovery, reverse direction back to the finish, then complete the recovery all the way to the catch and repeat. The blades should be off the water throughout all of the extended recovery, challenging the rowers to stay balanced. This also emphasizes rhythm and moving together.