Slowing down makes you faster in the future. What is rowing circles good for?

Timestamps

00.30 Rowing in Circles

I know I could make a lot of progress if I could just practice my stroke over and over.

Yes, this is the purpose of rowing in circles. Get the intense, focused practice in a stable environment.

01:30 One person rows at a time in sweep; in sculling you row one side at a time.

Often done in small boats so that the effect is all about what you're doing - the boat movement isn't muffled by what others are doing. It gives direct feedback and a strong learning outcome.

02:15 What is rowing circles good for?

Level bladework - are your oars going into the water at the correct depth in the power phase and are they staying at the correct height above the water in the recovery phase.

If you row "over the barrel" this is good.

Catch placement - how to time lifting the handle so your blade goes into the water when your seat is just arriving at the change of direction at full compression? Get the oar under the water before the seat stops moving.

Recovery height of blade above the water - Sweep align which hand does the height and squaring/feathering. Single hand or wide grip rowing can be practiced in circles.

How to row square blades - see exactly what is needed to get the oar out of the water square.

05:00 Increase the challenge

Learn the basic skill at light pressure, then make it harder by moving to firm pressure rowing. Try not watching your blade while rowing to keep the same technique.

Remember when you are learning something new - there is a ladder of learning. Step up to make it more challenging but if this isn't working well, step down to re-establish the pattern of technique movement before trying to make it harder again.

06:15 Do it 3 times

It takes time to acquire a new skill - repetitions help you to learn. Rest and reflect while your partner tries the rowing in circles. Many people learn in an interesting way - your brain processes the movement between practices. It may be better at the next practice.

08:13 Coaching rowing circles

Watch this video to see Marlene Royle coaching a single sculler on Rowing Circles.

https://youtu.be/1Jaqv1eiN5Y?si=c6KaXwnAE1pFo4by&t=133

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