SKILL VARIABLES DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN THE ELITE AND SUB-ELITE IN COXLESS PAIR-OARED ROWING

Abstract

The ability to develop high power output is a necessity for high performance in rowing. However rowers and coaches also direct a large amount of attention to skill development. Is the consummate execution of these skills a characteristic of the best rowers? To answer this question this study measured the wasted catch (WCA) and finish (WFA) angle, the mean to peak force ratio (MPFR), the vertical angular displacement of the oar (VADO) and the minimum boat acceleration (MinBA), on the water, in elite and sub-elite groups of rowers . On average the elite rowers were superior to the sub-elite on all these variables. MPFR, VADO and MinBA were highly significantly different between the two groups. An Olympic gold medal winning pair were superior over all other rowers The findings suggest that these are indeed important skills for high performance rowing.