Masters Sculling: Technique and Training

by Nancy Churchill

Masters scullers range in age from Grade AA (21 in the US) or Grade A (27 in the UK) to Grade M (89 plus). Although diverse in age, these athletes all have one thing in common - they are each unique. This book partners with each individual athlete to achieve performance improvements based on their own aspirations, technical skill and fitness level. The focus is on understanding and efficiency, both in the acquisition of skills and training. The dynamic technique described offers scullers a high-performance sculling approach, carefully tailored to support a Masters sculler's long-term career. Illustrated with superb colour photographs, diagrams and a wealth of examples, coverage includes individual assessment of an athlete's sculling skills, flexibility and aerobic fitness; compilation and application of evidence-based data; formation of highly individual training programmes; experiments for athletes to explore their connectedness, versatility and speed, and finally, race strategies and plans for competitive athletes. Based on the athlete's needs and aspirations, Masters Sculling provides you with the knowledge and skills to build an individual training plan that minimizes injury risk, achieves continuous improvement and fosters a lifelong enjoyment of the sport.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this new book focusing on masters sculling. Masters rowing in itself is little written about, and Dr Churchill's approach to explaining everything from boat mechanics and physics, the athlete and technique through to lifestyle choices and approaches to competition and racing make this a well rounded, easy to read book. She also has suggestions in the technique sections to try; yes, there are some less conventional approaches explained, but suggestions offered on how to give them a go and determine for yourself if they do make a difference to boat speed efficiency. Some of the book is explicitly for scullers, single sculling, but many of the broader topics apply to all rowers, and provide interesting narrative for the masters classes to consider.

[Lisa Keuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half is focused on the physics of the scull and rigging for optimal athlete connection. I was more interested in the second half, which has some good advice for creating a sustainable long-term Master's training program.