Word: pulling
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Even if the oars hit the water cleanly, there are still an infinite number of factors for each man to concentrate on. The stroke itself, which is accomplished by a combined pull of the arms, push of the legs, and swing of the body must be achieved with all the power it is possible to muster. At the same time, it must be done as nearly like the other seven men as possible, and above all it must consume exactly the same amount of time...
...days when men were men, it was fashionable to take a heave at the oars. Which left the upper body almost parallel with the water. The principle behind this was that a mighty pull more than offset the waste motion and energy involved. Such fine points as not wobbling the boat or making a smooth recovery were ignored...
...Washington system, on the other hand, concentrates on obtaining a powerful pull by getting a long reach at the beginning of the stroke, and finishing with a slight enough layback so that a quick and smooth recovery is possible...
Only slight differences mark a Harvard crew's style from that of any other coached by a Washington graduate, Most crews take an even pull all the way through every stroke, ending with a final tug before removing their oars from the water...
Bolles' oarsmen, on the other hand, start each stroke with a gigantic pull which eases off toward the finish, enabling them to finish their stroke smoothly and shoot their hands back into position for the next cycle with a smooth, even motion...