Technique guide

Early arm bend on the rowing machine

The legs start the drive while the arms transmit that pressure. Keeping the elbows open until the leg-and-body work is nearly complete helps preserve a clear sequence.

By RowCoach, written from the perspective of an anonymous intermediate masters rower. Published . Updated .

Long arms compared with early arm bend Two side-view rowing figures compare an open elbow during the leg drive with an elbow closing while the knees are still bent. CONNECTED DRIVEEARLY BEND Elbow stays open while knees extendElbow closes before leg drive finishes
Side-view sequence comparing long arms during the leg drive with an elbow bending before the knees finish extending.

What early arm bend means

Early arm bend is an elbow angle that closes materially while the knees are still completing the drive. It is not the normal arm draw near the finish. Concept2 describes the drive as legs, then body swing, then arms; British Rowing similarly leaves the arm draw until the legs are nearly straight.

The goal is not to lock the elbows rigidly. Let the shoulders stay relaxed and the arms remain long enough to connect the handle to the leg drive.

Signs you can observe

  • The elbows crease or move behind the torso while the seat is still traveling back.
  • The handle accelerates toward the chest before the knees are mostly down.
  • Forearms, grip, or shoulders tire before the legs feel engaged.
  • The chain path becomes uneven as the hands pull around rising knees.

Why it happens

A rower may try to pull the handle to create power, grip too hard, carry shoulder tension, or lose the feeling that the feet start the stroke. Heavy resistance and high intensity can make that instinct stronger.

How to correct the sequence

Cue: Keep your arms long until the legs and body finish, then draw the handle to your lower ribs.
  1. Legs only: row lightly from the catch with straight arms and a quiet torso.
  2. Legs and body: add the body swing, still leaving the arm draw out.
  3. Pause before the draw: at light pressure, pause when the legs and body finish, then bend the arms.

Reduce intensity while learning. If the sequence remains unclear, a qualified coach can compare what you feel with what is visible.

How RowCoach checks it

From a side view, RowCoach compares elbow change with knee extension. Camera angle, clothing, occlusion, and body proportions can affect the estimate, so sensitivity is adjustable. A flag is a coaching prompt, not a diagnosis or proof that one stroke is wrong.

Official technique references

Related guides

Keep the torso connected during the leg driveTime body swing and finish laybackSet up a clear side-view camera

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