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Stan's avatar

Further, the big swing finish to increase total ark of movement is likely inferior to the flexed spine position as the height of the athlete increases and more particularly in stroke rates at or above 32/min. See Ollie, Drysdale, Tufte, Cappinen, Florein, and Karsten. The exceptions are shorter ala Ntouskos.

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Stan's avatar

While I share the idea that strength improvement on dry land via various squats, modified dead lifts and other movements under tension with a straight back are important in generating power early in the rowing stroke cycle, note that the highest level men and women single scullers over several decades begin the drive phase of the stroke in a flexed spine position which is maintained approximately intact for roughly 80% of drive. In fact, current (2023) Dutch scullers dominating World Cup level competition, are releasing their blades about 15-18 degrees past vertical while still maintaining a slight bow or flex it the spine.

None of the lifts you prescribe begin in this posture and are in fact emphasize back extension well past the point where sculls are out of the water. Why is that?

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