View source for Hand paddle

{{short description|Plastic plate worn on the hand by swimmers during training}}
[[File:Hand Paddle.JPG|thumb|200px|Example of a hand paddle]]
A '''hand paddle''' is a device worn by [[swimming (sport)|swimmers]] during training. It consists of a plastic plate worn over the swimmer's palm and attached over the back of the swimmer's hand with elastic cords. The plate is often perforated with a pattern of holes.

A handle paddle increases the resistance the hand experiences as it tries to move through the water during the effective part of the arm stroke – the part of the stroke described as the "pull".<ref name="swimsmooth"/>  This gives the swimmer considerably more forward propulsion from the arm stroke than does a naked hand, and affords an enhanced [[kinesthetic]] "feel" of the pull. It also enhances the swimmer's feel of the "catch", the phase prior to the pull, where the hand turns from a streamlined position to grasp the water and begin the pull.<ref name="swimsmooth"/> If the hand catches or pulls at an incorrect angle, the increased resistance afforded by the hand paddle will exacerbate the resultant twisting moment, making the defect clearer to the swimmer.<ref name="Lucero"/> The considerably increased load imposed by the hand paddle on the arm and shoulder can, however, lead to pain and an increased risk of injury, so coaches advise only limited use of paddles and that use be discontinued if the swimmer feels shoulder pain.<ref name="Lucero"/><ref name="romanov"/>

To make the most out of using paddles, it is important to ensure that they aid in establishing a good technique under the water. Use the paddles without the wrist strap or side straps, and only use the main finger holds in the middle, regardless of the brand.<ref name="220triathlon"/>

Paddles are often used with [[pull buoy]]s to build up [[arm]] strength.{{fact|date=August 2013}}

== History ==
The hand paddle was invented by [[Benjamin Franklin]] in the 18th century.<ref>[http://www.ishof.org/Honorees/68/68bfranklin.html International Swimming Hall of Fame] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709140530/http://www.ishof.org/honorees/68/68bfranklin.html |date=2009-07-09 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/inventions.htm Independence Hall Association]</ref>

== Types of paddles ==
Different types of paddles include:
* Finger paddles – Designed to fit on the fingers and built for all strokes, [[butterfly stroke|butterfly]], [[backstroke]], [[breaststroke]] and [[freestyle swimming|freestyle]].{{cn|date=November 2018}}
* Freestyle Paddles – Designed especially for swimmers swimming freestyle.{{cn|date=November 2018}}
* Biomimetic Hand Paddles – Influenced by the [[darkling beetle]] to reinforce kinesthetic feel for the water.<ref>
[https://kinefusion.com/sports-technology/gear/why-swim-paddles/ Swim Paddles Share a Swimming Story in Nature]</ref>
* Han's Paddles – The original holed swimming paddles.{{cn|date=November 2018}}
* Speedo Original Hand Paddles – One of the first and made for most strokes.{{cn|date=November 2018}}
* Sculling and Vortex paddles – Designed to build upper body strength.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://swimming.about.com/od/paddlesboardsandbuoys/Hand_Paddles_Kickboards_and_Pull_Buoys_for_Swimmers.htm |title=Hand Paddles, Kickboards, and Pull Buoys for Swimmers<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2008-01-05 |archive-date=2007-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120081109/http://swimming.about.com/od/paddlesboardsandbuoys/Hand_Paddles_Kickboards_and_Pull_Buoys_for_Swimmers.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Forearm paddles - Designed to extend past the palm of the hand over the forearm to help with the initial catch
* Anti-paddles - Designed with a conical shape on the bottom of the paddle to improves swimmer's reaction to water resistance
<ref>[https://bubbleandtub.com/ Bubble and Tub]</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist |refs=

<ref name="swimsmooth">
{{cite web
|title=Pull and catch in the freestyle stroke
|url=http://www.swimsmooth.com/catch.html
|website=swimsmooth.com
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Lucero">
{{cite book 
|author=Masters Swimming: A Manual 
|title=Blythe Lucero, Cornelia Bleul-Gohlke 
|year=2006 
|page=49 
|isbn=1841261858
}}
</ref>

<ref name="romanov">
{{cite web 
|url=http://www.posetech.com/training/archives/000612.html 
|title=how to select the right swimming paddles for you 
|author=Dr. Nicholas Romanov 
|date=July 15, 2008
}}
</ref>

<ref name="220triathlon">
{{cite web 
|url=http://www.220triathlon.com/training/swim/how-to-use-swimming-paddles/11371.html#.WzamNq-pRJw.facebook 
|title=How to use swimming paddles
|author=John Wood
|date=October 11, 2016
}}
</ref>

}}

{{Competitive swimwear}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hand Paddle}}
[[Category:Swimming equipment]]


{{swimming-stub}}