tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059699700889543244.post5255039539059885439..comments2009-04-19T17:57:08.787-07:00Michael Chilmaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08412155307607275501noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059699700889543244.post-31134862481012798862009-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:00Not bad for the first regatta and a few weeks rowing.<br /><br />Timing is generally not too bad at the catch and finish, and body positions are pretty good, however some points to think about.<br /><br />Make sure you are leaning into your rigger and NOT away from it. (3) in particular beaware of this.<br /><br />Keep your eyes in your boat - no looking around !<br /><br />Be careful about the tendency to get the legs down flat too early ( called a bum shove), as this means the back and arms have to finish more than half the stroke without the power from the legs. Make sure that the blade is fully in teh water at the catch before applying the back legs and arms, which should all move in a coordinated fashion. The probable cause of this is not compressing fully at the catch (shins should be upright)(check stretcher positions if you cannot get your shins upright). To get the catch position right , on teh recover make sure your hands and arms are pushed past your knees before the knees break. Sit up tall as you slide forward, At the catch reach out to your rigger , arms should be stright but relaxed.(4 in particular).<br /><br />Keep the pull phase of the stroke on a level plane (imagine that assuming that your shins are upright at the catch that you are pulling into your shins). Do not lift your handsover the knees. This has the effect of making the blade go deep in the water, increasing the chance of a crab. (2 in particular see how high your hands are during the pull phase compared to the others).<br /><br />Try to work on these points, but overall well done for a first days racing.Coach Chilmaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00606997705723072713noreply@blogger.com