Are you unsure about a good sequence of instruction for how to teach your novice/learn to row athletes?
Try these videos to provide a basic idea of the structure of a learn to row curriculum.
Learn To Row Drills
The following is a list of links to YouTube videos of various drills that need to be taught in a learn to row program. The drills assume that a swim test for each rower/coxswain has been administered. The swim test should be monitored by a member of your learn to row coaching staff. All rowers must know how to swim and the coach can get a basic feel for the level of swimming ability in your novice group. The swim test should be followed by the viewing a the USRowing safety video and that can be purchased or viewed here. All members of your rowing program should watch the video once a year and there should be an active safety committee in your club to review/communicate rules and regulations to all club participants and members.
The following list is not exhaustive (there needs to be an emergency stop video and this should be taught in a tank before getting into a boat), however, it provides a basic framework for the instruction of those new to the sport. If there is a video/drill that you would like to see added, please contact me at neil@coachbergenroth.com. I’d love to hear you feedback as I am always looking to improve the curriculum shown below.
Fixing Rowing Technique Errors
Novice Rower Curriculum – Learn To Row – Scope and Sequence |
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| Stage | Learn To Row (Concepts Covered) |
| 1 | Assuming swim test has been administered and USRowing Safety Video Viewed Erg Technique Work (tap drill), Tank Time |
| Videos: | 1) Ergometer Fundamentals: https://youtu.be/3kGDWJRqvFc |
| 2 | 2) Ergometer Pick Drill: https://youtu.be/LET4NOFwQNA |
| 3) Ergometer Tap Drill: https://youtu.be/Y-FQ-mkXKZw | |
| Boat Orientation, Putting Boat in and Out | |
| Posture, Backing the blade, Pick Drill | |
| Videos: | 1) Putting An Oar Into the Oarlock: https://youtu.be/2xxAS7LSJeA |
| 3 | 2) Holding A Sweep Oar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtcZ6IaRTZ8 |
| 3) Holding The Sculling Oar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4eCK-V5g6A | |
| 4) Setting The Boat When Not Rowing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdlQjw49Zz8 | |
| 5) Backing The Boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQleGr3XffU | |
| Pick Dill, Legs Only Drill, Pause Drills (pausing at arms away) | |
| Pause Drills (pausing at body over) + drive sequence | |
| Videos: | 1) Pick Drill In The Boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DEh5PoxsNg |
| 4 | 2) Pause Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxxhHvD30w0 |
| 3) Tap Drill/Legs Only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKImT9R_3Pw | |
| 4) Sequence Of The Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jzaBpf8feI | |
| Pick Dill, Legs Only Drill, Pause Drills (pausing at arms away) | |
| Pause Drills (pausing at body over) | |
| Videos: | 1) Pick Drill In The Boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DEh5PoxsNg |
| 5 | 2) Pause Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxxhHvD30w0 |
| 3) Catch Placement Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvr0dfaQGgA | |
| 4) Tap Drill/Legs Only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKImT9R_3Pw | |
| Feathering and squaring | |
| Videos: | 1) Cut the Cake Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo0a-jiMUN4 |
| 6 | 2) Feathering and Squaring: https://youtu.be/W-PmMDqtxOw |
