Coordinated
Controlled
Effortless
We hear these words describing seasoned veterans of rowing, but the question often is, “how the hell do I get to that!?”
This week we are talking about the “big hairy beasts and icing on the cake” skills that will help your rowing progress.
Understand there are two levels to skill development:
Both revolve around the ability to piece together what we see, hear and feel when we row; it all depends on your point in your journey.
For beginners to rowing, your “big hairy beasts” are your Motor skills.
Developing these is all about repetition and feeling of the rowing stroke where you are laying the foundations for lifelong rowing. Learn to spend the time with these and break things up into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Rowing examples include:
There can be a lot to digest here, so be kind to yourself and don’t be in a rush to jump ahead.
Once you have the basics, now we get to layer on your Perception skills.
These “icing on the cake” skills collectively rely on being in tune with your body, gaining the advice of a coach, and being critical of your abilities.
Rowing examples include:
These are your 10% skills, great to have but not until you are on the path to mastery.
Top Tip – Invest time and learn to feel the stroke.
Perception skill development doesn’t necessarily mean rowing more meters. Instead, it’s a time to get to know your body, how it moves, and what good movement looks and feels. The linking of actions without thinking about it and the feeling of the stroke is a HUGE step in your perception phase development.
Need help here? Watch this 5 part series of videos that will get you started with everything from set-up to stroke mechanics. How to Row Better By Doing NOTHING (Fundamentals: Part 1)
Congratulations, you are on the path, don’t stop now!! You’re going to hit a few bumps along the way, so here are a few questions that will supercharge your next practice session.
Trying to do multiple actions all at once can be a challenge which is why a checklist is an excellent way of embedding some of the points you are looking to improve. Locate it in the right place, and it will help to engrain those development points even faster subconsciously.
For example, I’ve printed the catch list and put it on bathroom mirrors before, with it being an excellent place to see the points you wish to remember before you row.
Not sure? Record yourself.
That’s right, get out your phone, put the camera where you can see your stroke, and start rowing! Note, this doesn’t just mean when you are fresh. Instead, record yourself when you are tired and see the difference it makes in your ability to maintain form when you row.
If you love the science, read this article: Biomechanics feedback for rowing, where the importance of recording and reviewing rowing techniques shows unparalleled ability to refine your skill development. The trusted eye of a coach is how you go from good to great, and The Crew is where you can get this, CLICK HERE!
We all love a good video to get an excellent workout, but being a Dark Horse means you are going to step away from this comfort and get the work done to achieve those personal goals.
Join a community that fosters and cares for your individual development. Head here to https://darkhorserowing.com/ and read some of the testimonials of how Dark Horse has helped so many people change the way they use rowing for the greater good in their lives.
There you have it! Tips to master those big hairy beasts and start adding icing to that cake of rowing. Trust the journey and know this is what being a Dark Horse is all about, building the life you want to live using rowing to get you there!
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