On Water Rowing Course Lesson 8 - Rollups
Please print this document and use to remind yourself and the athlete of what is needed to execute rollups for a better stroke.
On Water Rowing Course Download.pdf
File Size: 25056 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
​Once the athletes understand the posture and sequence of the rowing stroke and are able to feather correctly with their fingers, then this essential skill of Rollups is instrumental.  The purpose of the rollup drill is to reinforce correct posture and sequence and has the added advantage of clearly demonstrating that the oar needs to be placed in the water and connected before the drive is commenced.

This drill is challenging to do in a single unless the athlete is well skilled in balance. Hence we suggest undertaking the exercise in a double or a quad and have one of the crew balance the boat with their oars flat on the water.

Have the remainder of the crew sit at the finish with the oar blades square and buried in the water.  Then the roll-up movement is to have the athletes move slowly through the rowing stroke recovery into the catch and then finish the rollup with the oar placed in the water at the catch possession. 

The items to watch for are that the athletes:
  • Tap out cleanly and feather with their fingers
  • Follow the correct posture and sequence
  • Handle height should be even through the recovery with the oar off the water
  • Square the blade with their fingers as the handle passes over the athlete's feet
  • Place the blade in the water as a vertical movement of the arms only, no shoulders 

In the video below we demonstrate the roll-up drill, and the pdf to the right contains the information and photos.  We suggest that you print this and take it with you to follow as needed.
​For Members:​
Extra videos with further information rollups and control:  
For Members:​
​For when the athletes cannot achieve the correct body positions  we have extra videos with further information,  click here:
On Water Rowing Course Lessons: