Over the past few years, waterproof cameras have seen significant improvements in quality and accessibility. They now serve as valuable tools for coaches to capture dynamic movements, analyze them using various software, and provide swimmers with objective and measurable feedback for improvement over time.

Despite the growing availability of underwater video technology and the ease of editing and sharing content via cell phones, many swimmers still lack access to facilities or coaches equipped with systems capable of delivering actionable feedback based on captured data. However, even without specialized equipment or a coach, most swimmers can utilize their smartphones for valuable feedback on observable aspects of their performance from the pool deck.

At Train Daly, we consider video feedback an essential teaching tool for enhancing swimming technique and drawing parallels between dryland exercises and their application in the water. Whether through in-person coaching participation in masters practices, or virtual training programs, swimmers have the opportunity to be filmed in various settings. They may also receive guidance on using their personal cameras and submitting videos for technique analysis sessions.

Challenges with Self-Recorded Swimming Videos

However, it's important to note that many swimmers send self-recorded videos with suboptimal viewing angles, portions of their bodies or strokes cropped out of the frame, insufficient lighting, and compressed formats that reduce video quality and clarity for effective feedback and annotations.

Tips for Capturing Effective Swim Videos

To address these challenges, we've identified four key areas with tips and tricks for capturing high-quality video to gain a clear understanding of your technique and access professional analysis and actionable recommendations for improved performance:

1. The Right Angles:

• Capture videos from wide and side angles, as observing movements is best done at 90-degree angles.

• Utilize a wide-angle lens or set the camera to the widest field of view for optimal coverage.

• Ensure the swimmer's entire body remains within the frame, whether using a cellphone or underwater camera.

• When using a cellphone, ensure framing by viewing the screen.

• For underwater cameras, practice to maintain a lane-width distance between the swimmer and the camera.

• In laned pools, select end lanes and position the swimmer along the far side of the lane line for space.

• Alternatively, choose a neighboring, mostly unoccupied lane when shooting from the deck.

• When shooting head-on, place the camera at the lane's end above the swimmer from the deck or just below the surface.

• Have the swimmer swim approximately 10-15 yards or just beyond the flags, crossing over the black line into the wall.

 2. Lighting:

• Keep the light source behind the camera, directing light toward the swimmer.

• Natural outdoor light is ideal, but position the sun behind the camera.

• Consider adding a waterproof LED light attachment if your pool has poor lighting.

3. Video Clarity:

• Use the latest camera with high resolution for the best results.

• Shoot in an outdoor sunny pool with crystal-clear water.

• Upload and share files using a cloud-based storage service to avoid compression and loss of quality.

4. Equipment:

For capturing high-quality underwater videos, having the right equipment and settings is essential to ensure clear and detailed footage for analysis and feedback:

These equipment options and settings provide you with the tools needed to capture exceptional underwater footage, making it easier to analyze and provide feedback on swimming techniques effectively.

Following this, we conduct thorough reviews either in person or via video calls, utilizing screen sharing to provide feedback frame by frame. During these sessions, we break down the swimmer's stroke into each phase, identifying a starting point and a clear focus area for improvement. We also tailor specific drills and programming to address the swimmer's individual needs and goals, utilizing high-quality video examples.

If you're eager to enhance your swimming technique and achieve your best performance, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about capturing top-notch content, selecting the right equipment, and benefiting from expert feedback. Book your swim analysis session today to take your skills to the next level.