Last updated November 9 2009

Bladework The Catch: There is no catch

The secrets behind getting a good beginning.

Nothing except the knees should be moving as the catch time approaches: in order you must have achieved... The arms have been straight for most of the recovery. The body has rocked over to its catch shape The spoons have been squared off. The shoulders are, and will remain, in a strong shape.

The ambition every catch is to maximise length of stroke. So every bit of water that can be stretched over before entry is passed by the spoons.

The successful catch will not check the boat run This can only be achieved by controlling the speed of the side into frontstops, landing at maximum compression of the knees with little force, at which moment, the hands lift their weight off the handles and the squared spoons cut into the water (the tip driving in like a spear!)

Congratulations: Your catch has already been completed!

What's left?

All that remains is to apply a standing movement to the legs against the footplate to load up the entered spoons.

Resist the great temptation to do any more than hold the handles – do not pull them hard – just hold them resolutely.

Do this as immediately as is needed following the blade drop into the water.

Note. this requires practise and concentration