What is a common cue to help rowers maintain a steady tempo during a drill?

• A. Ignore tempo and focus on stroke length.
• B. Use a consistent cadence call or metronome-like count and require rowers to match the rate.
• C. Increase pressure on legs only.
• D. Focus on arm strength exclusively.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a steady tempo comes from giving the rowers a clear, shared rhythm to follow. A consistent cadence cue—whether it’s a spoken count or a metronome-like rate—lets everyone time the catch, drive, and finish together. When rowers match that rate, the boat stays synchronized, stroke length remains even, and power is distributed consistently, which keeps the drill moving smoothly and efficiently. If you ignore tempo and chase only stroke length, timing becomes variable. If you push more leg drive without a tempo cue, you’re changing power but not the rhythm. If you focus only on arm strength, sequencing and timing suffer. So using a clear cadence cue that rowers can mirror is the most effective way to keep a steady tempo.