TRAINING OF COXSWAINS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1934, Page 18

TRAINING OF COXSWAINS

Has sufficient attention, been given to the training of :cdiswains in the art of steering in,recent years ?'• This question is frequently asked. From the bank it seems a simple! matter to sit in the stern and guido:the rudder-lines, but it takes practice to steer a straight course;. At the- start a coxswain should set his course by some point.or landmark at the finish, and should steer straight for that object. When there is a bend in the course the coxswain should pick out his mark.to the bend, and, having reached it, alter his course into a direct line from there to the finish. Another important point is that when racing round a bend the rudder should not be suddenly applied, as nothing breaks the swing in a crew or tho progress of the boat more than the hard use of the rudder. The correct time to apply the rudder is between the strokes, and _ then only gently. In rounding a bend it is.better for the coxswain to call for more weight from those rowing'on the outside .than leave all the work to the rudder. Tho captain or the coach should lecture tho boys on their duties, and strokes should point out any mistakes. Nothing exasperates a crew more than to lose.a race through faulty steering, especially after' a couple of mouths' hard training.

The Auckland Association has ordered from:C. Towns, of Sydney, a set of twelvo. double-girder oars for the Auckland eight. They will be painted blue and white, the association's colours, and will also be inscribed with the association's monogram.

The Petone Rowing Club is Hearing the end of its racing programme for the season. The double pairs, for the Drummond Cup,, will be decided this weekend, and it is anticipated that the last two club races will be disposed of next Saturday. . ■ . ■

Father and son, L. and B. O/Connor, of Queensland, performed a unique cricketing feat recently. Bowling unchanged they dismissed South Brisbane •twice, the father taking four for 16 and four for 27, and tho sou taking six for 13 and six for 12.