Breaking the Habit of Jazz Hands in Rowing
A practical guide to fixing skying blades, improving placement, and creating a more efficient stroke.
Jazz hands, often referred to as skying the blades, is a common issue for beginner and intermediate rowers. It can significantly affect boat speed, rhythm, and efficiency.
It may feel natural at first, but it often comes from a misunderstanding of what should happen at the end of the recovery and into the placement.
When jazz hands happen, the boat can be checked, the effective drive length can be reduced, and the blades may enter too deeply into the water. Over time, this can also place unnecessary strain on the shoulders and back.
So, Why Do Jazz Hands Happen?
The Reach Is the End of the Recovery
As a rower approaches the end of the recovery phase, it can be easy to assume that the movement ends once the blade has moved forward through the air and the body is at full reach.
This can make the placement feel like a separate action, almost as though the rower needs to change direction, lift, and then attack the water.
In reality, the placement should be the final part of the recovery, not the beginning of the drive.
Mimicking a Deadlift
Many rowers instinctively bring their hands closer to their feet at full compression, similar to the starting position of a deadlift where the bar stays close to the shins and over the middle of the feet.
However, the rowing stroke is not a vertical lifting movement. The leg drive and the movement of the hands happen on separate planes.
The hands should continue moving in a more horizontal path until the blade is placed.
The “Bicycle Catch” Misconception
Some rowers imagine the catch as a quick tap into the water, almost like tapping a spinning bicycle wheel to keep it moving.
But rowing does not work that way.
The rower and the boat are part of the same system. The blade needs to be anchored in the water before power is applied.
Without that connection, the boat is simply being pushed back and forth rather than moved efficiently.
Avoiding the Water
Carrying the blades too low can feel safer, especially when trying to balance the boat.
While this may lower the centre of gravity, it is only really useful in flat conditions.
A better long-term solution is to learn balance through relaxed posture, weight in the seat, and a small amount of thumb pressure.
This allows enough clearance to roll the blade square without lifting too dramatically just before placement.
Tension in the Arms and Shoulders
Tight arms and shoulders make it harder for the hands to move independently during the recovery.
As the body rocks over, the hands may drop unintentionally.
The recovery should be a chance to relax. A light grip, loose arms, and a stable core help the hands follow a smoother and more effective path into the placement.
How Jazz Hands Affect Boat Speed
Rowing is about creating a clean, efficient connection between the blade, the water, the athlete, and the boat.
When jazz hands appear, that connection is disrupted.
Jazz hands can lead to:
• Loss of drive length: Missing part of the water shortens the effective stroke and reduces propulsion.
• Deeper blade placement: Forcing the blade too deeply into the water creates drag and slows the boat.
• Injury risk: Poor mechanics and excessive force can increase strain on the shoulders and back.
• Boat instability: Checking the boat interrupts rhythm, making it harder to maintain speed.
How to Fix Jazz Hands
Rethink the End of the Recovery
The placement is the final step of the recovery.
The drive should only begin once the blade is anchored in the water and connection has been established.
Instead of treating the placement as a separate movement, visualise the recovery flowing smoothly into the water.
Adjust the Deadlift Analogy
Unlike a deadlift, rowing is a horizontal movement.
Focus on moving the oar handles in a straight line from connection through to the start of the extraction.
The hands do not need to move down towards the feet. They need to travel in a controlled, horizontal path before lifting into the placement.
Remember: Boats Aren’t Bicycles
A blade cannot simply tap the water along.
It needs to be placed and anchored before the legs apply power.
Without this anchor, the rower loses meaningful propulsion and disrupts the movement of the boat.
Carry the Blades with Clearance
Instead of carrying the blades extremely low, work on balancing the boat with relaxed posture and steady seat pressure.
This allows the blade to square cleanly and enter the water without unnecessary lifting, skying, or overcorrection.
Relax the Arms and Shoulders
Loose arms and shoulders allow the hands to move more naturally.
The recovery should prepare the body for connection, not create tension before the drive.
Keep the grip light, stay loose through the upper body, and use the core to support the transition into the catch.
Practical Drill: The Blade-Dragging Exercise
A useful way to break the jazz hands habit is to practise a progressive blade-dragging drill.
1. Leave the blade dragging
After the extraction, let the blade drag across the surface of the water during the recovery.
Do not lift the blade off the water surface.
2. Roll the blade square
As you pass the ankles, begin rolling the blade square while maintaining the drag across the water with the bottom edge of the blade.
3. Approach full compression
Allow the blade to carve into the water as you reach full compression.
Because the water is flat, it encourages the blade to follow a natural, horizontal trajectory.
4. Lighten the drag
Gradually reduce the blade’s contact with the water as you become more comfortable, while maintaining the correct trajectory.
This drill helps build muscle memory for a smoother blade path and encourages the placement to become part of the recovery rather than a rushed, separate movement.
Final Thoughts
Fixing jazz hands starts with understanding the root cause.
The recovery should flow into placement with rhythm, control, and precision.
By adjusting your mindset, relaxing the upper body, and practising targeted drills, you can improve blade placement, increase efficiency, and create better boat speed.
Rowing is a sport of rhythm and precision. When your technique becomes smoother, your performance has room to move forward.