Fun on the Water: 7 Engaging Rowing Drills for Kids to Boost Their Skills
Rowing is an excellent sport for kids, promoting not only physical fitness but also teamwork, discipline, and a connection with nature. Whether your child is just dipping their oars in the water for the first time or they're looking to refine their stroke, there's a drill that's right for them. Here are seven engaging rowing drills designed to boost your child's skills and make their time on the water both fun and productive.
1. The Catch Drill
The catch is the starting position of the rowing stroke, and mastering this part of the stroke is critical for a smooth and powerful row. Have your kids practice the catch by sitting at the finish, blades squared and buried. They should then slide up to the catch position and pause, focusing on maintaining a strong posture and a direct line to the water. This drill helps with stability and blade control.
2. The Pause Drill
Pausing at different points of the stroke can help kids understand the importance of sequencing. Start by having them row continuously and then call out a position, such as 'arms away,' 'body over,' or 'half slide,' where they'll pause and hold their position. This drill encourages kids to feel each part of the stroke and understand how they contribute to the overall movement.
3. The Feathering Drill
Proper feathering—the rotating of the oar so that it is parallel to the water during the recovery—is crucial for reducing drag and maintaining the boat's balance. Let the kids practice feathering by rowing with square blades first and then progressing to feathering the oar on the recovery. This will develop their coordination and dexterity.
4. The Single Arm Rowing
Rowing with one arm while the other arm is extended or resting on the lap can help to isolate and work on each side's technique and strength. Kids can learn to use their core more effectively in each stroke and understand how to balance the boat.
5. The Body Swing Drill
This drill emphasizes the importance of using the body swing to leverage power. Encourage your kids to row with straight arms and focus on swinging the body from the hips. This helps in developing a fluid stroke and understanding how to transfer power from the lower body to the stroke.
6. The Pick Drill
In the pick drill, rowers build up the stroke piece by piece, starting with just the arms, then adding in the back, and finally the slide. This drill breaks down the rowing stroke to its components, which can help kids understand the timing and coordination required for a full, powerful stroke.
7. The Pyramid Drill
This is a fun and challenging way to combine endurance and technique. Start with a short distance at a high stroke rate, then gradually decrease the stroke rate while increasing the distance. After reaching the bottom of the 'pyramid,' work your way back up. It's an excellent way for kids to manage their energy and focus on maintaining good technique over varying intensities.
Finding the Balance: Fun and Technique
It's essential to find the right balance between fun and technique when introducing children to rowing drills. Engaging activities like games or challenges can be interspersed with more technical work to keep practice sessions lively and appealing. For further ideas, the Australian Sports Camps offer a comprehensive list of sports ideas for kids that can be adapted and practiced at home, including imaginative rowing drills that can translate to fun on the water. Check out their blog post at Australian Sports Camps for more inspiration.
The Takeaway
With these rowing drills, your kids will not only enhance their rowing skills but also develop a love for the sport. By regularly practicing these exercises, they will see significant improvement in their coordination, power, and stroke efficiency. Remember, the key is to keep it fun and encouraging; the proficiency gained through these drills will follow naturally as they grow more comfortable and confident on the water. Happy rowing!
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