Another Drill, How should the catch feel? Sit at the backstops and place the blades square in the water. (This is easier in a crew boat than a single.) Back the boat down by pushing your hands away from you through the water. Push firmly till they are over your knees and the boat has started moving. As your hands go over your knees and the boat has started moving you may need to push up on the handle(s) to keep the blade(s) in the water. Once the boat is moving relax and follow the handles forward to the catch position. (Let the handle(s) draw you forward.) Feel how easily you stretch forward, nad how easily the handle(s) glide with the movement of the boat. Feel how the pressure comes onto your feet as you get closer to the catch position. Keep your blade(s) in the water as you move through to the catch and take a stroke. Feel how smooth the transition between gliding forward and pushing back is. Feel how the blades are locked against the water as you change direction. (video below with 2 novice coastal rowers).