Abstract: The paper reviewed the previous literature about rowing and sorted them in time sequence into three groups according to their research focuses, including the deconstruction of basic principles of rowing, R&D and application of full-scale measurement system, as well as the diagnosis and evaluation of rowing techniques. The result shows that the tension is the main driving force of rowing; while the lift only provides force forward in a relatively short time during the second half course. There are few researches on the measurement and control of driving forces which can be a breakthrough for the development of rowing techniques. Full-scale measurement system plays a leading role in technique testing, but, due to its unsatisfactory performance in control, the system cannot yet be used for monitoring whenever and wherever possible. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to research and develop full-scale measurement instruments with good performance. The focuses and difficulties in studying rowing techniques lie in building a biomechanical model and a diagnosis and evaluation system, which call for the application of multidisciplinary knowledge.