If a rower consistently leans to one side during the drive, which action should you take first?

• A. Ignore minor lean and proceed
• B. Increase rower’s leg drive to counterbalance
• C. Check asymmetries in rotation, core engagement, and blade pressure; provide targeted drills to balance
• D. Move the rower to a different seat

Answer: (C)

When a rower leans to one side during the drive, the first thing to do is diagnose where the imbalance is coming from in how the body and blade work together. Check for asymmetries in rotation, core engagement, and blade pressure, because uneven rotation or uneven bracing can cause the torso to drift and the blade to press unevenly. By identifying which part isn’t coordinating—whether the rib cage and hips aren’t rotating evenly, the core isn’t bracing symmetrically, or the blade pressure shifts from side to side—you can target the fix effectively. Use drills that promote balanced sequencing: encourage square shoulders and hips at the drive, reinforce symmetric core bracing, and cue even blade pressure through the stroke, using pauses, video feedback, or single-sided drills to feel the difference. This approach tackles the underlying pattern rather than just adding more leg drive or moving seats, which don’t address the root cause.