WaterRower Weekly Training Tip 36 - Compression at the Catch

[Dave]

Compression at the Catch

It is important to have a long rowing stroke. This is achieved when
the arms and upper back are in the full reach position, the body is
rocked over and the legs are fully compressed. Many people tend to
over reach or over compress at the Catch, this can be detrimental as
it places the body in a weak position. This weak position can place
strain on your knee (if the shins are past the vertical position) and
on your lower back (if the body is hunched and over reaching with the
knees dropping out to the sides).

At the Catch, you should compress the legs till the shins are vertical
and the body (in a rocked over position) touches the thighs.