Patented Hinge Technology
The revolutionary truStroke swim training hand paddle is a product of extensive research, testing, and trial in the field. All, of the features, of truStroke paddles were carefully considered and designed to complement each other to produce a training tool that safely and effectively builds “swimming” strength while simultaneously improving swim stroke proficiency. Listed below are the main design features of truStroke paddles.
The Proper Fit
THE HINGE
The hinge is the most significant design feature of truStroke paddles. It is what sets truStroke paddles apart from every other training paddle being used today.
The hinge creates two distinct functional advantages over a solid static paddle.
First. Because of the location of the hinge, at the Metacarpophangeal joint, (where the fingers meet the hand), and the majority of the paddle displacement being above the hinge, on the finger portion of the paddle, the result is a training paddle which is extremely sensitive to mechanics flaws in the stroke pattern, especially at the critical entry and catch phase of the stroke. truStroke paddles can be used to train in all four competitive swim strokes. The paddle alerts the swimmer to mechanical flaws and allows the deficiency to be corrected in real time, on the next stroke. This feedback loop is highly effective in enforcing good stroke mechanics throughout the entire workout which develops strong neurological pathways, (muscle memory). Muscle memory is key to sustained, optimized stroke mechanics in competition… an essential performance component for maintaining MAXIMUM DISTANCE PER STROKE when experiencing fatigue.
Secondly. The hinge allows the hand to easily retract into the natural relaxed position during the recovery phase of the stroke. This repetitive relaxation of the hand on the recovery phase of every stroke significantly reduces stress in the hand and lower arm. This relaxation transfers from the hand all the way up through the arm and into the shoulder girdle, ultimately reducing stress upon the rotator cuff. This hand movement during the training session contributes greatly to ligament and tendon connective tissue health, and also engages the synergistic muscles involved in the stroke pattern. This creates a more comprehensive and healthy strength training session of every muscle used in the upper body portion of the swim stroke.
CONFIGURATION, SHAPE AND SIZE
The configuration of truStroke training paddles, of which size and shape are an integral component, was very carefully considered during the design phase. We grouped these three aspects of the paddle together and treat them as a single design feature, because they complement each other to produce the overall performance objectives of the paddle. The overall design of truStroke training paddles, when coupled with the hinge, brings form and function together as never before in a swim training hand paddle. Our performance objectives for truStroke training paddles, in the beginning, were simple. We wanted to develop a training tool that was safe and effective for building swimming strength and enhancing stroke mechanics as well as being comfortable during long pull workouts. We started with the premise that the hydrodynamic forces exerted upon the paddle throughout the entire stroke pattern should be proportionate to the forces exerted upon the bare hand.
The shape of truStroke paddles closely resembles the shape of the bare hand. The size of the paddle is designed to be just slightly larger than the perimeter of the hand. The grooved configuration, on the water contact surface, of the upper portion of the paddle, align with the fingers and mimic the indentations between the fingers of the bare hand when pulling through the stroke pattern. The main purpose of this grooved surface is to eliminate side slip action, during the pull phase of the stroke, without distorting the hydrodynamic forces. Most of the displacement area, of the paddle, is above the hinge on the finger portion of the paddle. This works with the shape, size, paddle surface configuration, the fastening configuration, and the hinge itself to create the paddle’s sensitivity to stroke flaws and to produce proportionate hydrodynamic forces upon the hand. Proportionate hydrodynamic forces help develop feel for the water and encourage efficient hand position during the pull phase of the stroke. The relief at the base of the paddle contributes to the comfort of the paddle by allowing for unencumbered wrist flex throughout the stroke pattern.
FASTENING SYSTEM
The fastening system, like every other design feature, of truStroke training paddles, was also carefully considered during the design process. The objective was not only comfort but also functionality. The fastening configuration, when properly adjusted, is comfortable and it complements the other features to produce maximum paddle performance.
The large loop at the wrist provides a comfortable attachment for the lower portion, (the palm portion), of the paddle and does not need to be particularly snug. The finger portion of the paddle is the performance producing part of the paddle. The palm portion of the paddle contributes to the overall resistance of the paddle for building strength and because of the hinge it also helps identify exit flaws.
Only the middle finger is attached to the upper portion of the paddle and it is attached along the center axis of the paddle. This attachment configuration is comfortable and stable and performs an important function.
Attaching only the middle finger along the center axis, of the paddle, helps develop feel for the water. By allowing the thumb and index finger to rest freely on the inside part of the paddle and the ring and little finger to rest freely on the outside part of the paddle, the paddle is controlled about the center axis by the proper hydrodynamic forces being exerted upon the paddle when the hand is in the proper position during the power phase of the stroke.
Because of the overall design of the paddle, the paddles are comfortable to swim with and proper hand position is encouraged throughout the entire stroke pattern.
CONCLUSION?
The truStroke hand training paddle is a high – tech training device that is unequaled in the ability to enhance stroke mechanics while safely and effectively building swimming strength.
Consistently training with truStroke paddles will develop stronger and technically more proficient swimmers and will maximize their DISTANCE PER STROKE (DPS). Increased DPS translates into faster race results for swimmers of all levels.