Q: Do u have any info on how i can help my freshmen boat to keep better balance?

A: When yelling, “Set the boat,” isn’t enough and there is an important fact that simply yelling those words will not work unless you tell your rowers how to set the boat. Right after you think you have to yell, “Set the boat,” think why.

• Why is the boat not set?
• Is there one side lowering their hands more/less?
• Is there one side/person washing out?
• Is there a rower rushing their slide and waiting for everyone at the catch?
• Is there a rower late and not moving their seat with the others?

There are many reasons why a boat is not set, riding to one side more than the other, or simply crashing to one side at the catch or finish.  It is your job sitting in the coxswain seat to figure out why and give suggestions to your teammates and more importantly give them an opportunity to implement your suggestions…”on this one.”

Next time you want to yell, “Set the boat!”…take it a step further and choose better words to help make the boat row better.

Good luck and more importantly, Steer Straight!  That always helps the set.