Sweep Technique

In this photo Ed is just approaching the catch. He has a common fault here. Notice that his left shoulder (outside shoulder) is lower than his right shoulder (inside shoulder). This commonly happens when someone is trying to gain the extra 2-3 inches in length and is not quite flexible enough. His inside elbow has a nice soft bend to it and he is beginning to relax his outside leg to allow the torso to rotate and swing through. These are good things.Here he has just taken the water at the catch. His shoulders are beginning to level out and nearing the correct level. Notice the torso rotation and the relaxed outside knee. His inside arm should hold the softness from the above picture.Ed is now into the meat of the drive. His shoulders are even and he has moved his legs back into line with his shoulders...the position of power. His arms are straight and he is moving the boat with the power in his legs.Here he is nearing the release and is transferring the power to his back and arms. His outside arm may be a tad high. This is often caused by anticipating the release and trying to keep the outside elbow in the correct position. The elbow should travel in line with the end of the handle.The blade has now left the water and this is the beginning of the recovery. Notice the proper position of the outside elbow and the levelness of the shoulders.Notice that the knees have already broken but the shoulders are still over the hips. Try to lead out with the hands and hold the knees until the torso swings over.

Here is the middle of the recovery. Notice the great posture, great hand position and the outside elbow is level with the end of the handle.