When paddling, any stroke can produce different results based on the placement of the paddle, pitch of the blade, and tilt of the canoe. In some cases what is functionally the same stroke may be called different names just because of placement. A simple running draw (or pry) can produce three different outcomes - side displacement, inside turn, and outside turn. In the FreeStyle world, a running draw (or pry) can also be done across the canoe, with either inside or outside heel; all of these when moving forward, as well as reverse.
In the following video clips the paddle placement is moved from forward of the centre of lateral resistance, at the centre, and behind. I provided a side view as well as a front view of the use for each outcome. The examples are not to show the best side slip or turn, just show how motion changes with the same basic stroke based on placement. Using the running draw as an example: if placed forward the canoe turns to the paddling side, if placed further back the canoe turns away from the paddling side - in both of these adding heel augments the turn by releasing the stems. When placed at the point of lateral resistance the canoe slips sideways. Initiation is important to start the turning motion which can enhance, or stall a turn (e.g. an outside initiation, counters a forward placed running draw - the canoe side slips straight).
Running Draw - Side Displacement, Inside Turn, Outside Turn
Running Pry - Side Displacement, Outside Turn, Inside Turn
There may be several strokes that produce the same result,often more efficiently. A case in point is the running pry inside turn could be better executed with a stern pry (yes - fundamentally that is also a running pry but further back, it looks like a rudder or the start of a reverse sweep). Â
Using simple draw (or Pry) you can also pivot the canoe in different ways depending on the placement.