Underwater Video in Swimming Coaching

Seconds Count

Environmental Aspects

1. Refraction

Environmental Aspects

1. Refraction2. Bubbles

Environmental Aspects

1. Refraction2. Bubbles3. Reflection

How can coaches see their athlete’s technique underwater?

1. Coach swims alongside athlete

How can coaches see their athlete’s technique underwater?

1. Coach swims alongside athlete2. Underwater viewing room

How can coaches see their athlete’s technique underwater?

1. Coach swims alongside athlete2. Underwater viewing room3. Underwater video camera

Benefits of Underwater Camera

1. Image is not distorted

Benefits of Underwater Camera

1. Image is not distorted2. Coach can view image on screen in real time

Benefits of Underwater Camera

1. Image is not distorted2. Coach can view image on screen in real time3. Permanent record of athlete’s technique

Benefits of Underwater Camera

1. Image is not distorted2. Coach can view image on screen in real time3. Permanent record of athlete’s technique4. Slow motion

Benefits of Underwater Camera

4. Slow motion5. Multiple views available

Benefits of Underwater Camera

4. Slow motion5. Multiple views available6. Accurately measure velocity, stroke length

and stroke frequency

Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

1. Glide

Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

1. Glide2. Push-Pull of arms

Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

1. Glide with extended arms2. Push-Pull of arms3. Glide with arms at thighs

Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

1. Glide with extended arms2. Push-Pull of arms3. Glide with arms at thighs4. Initial arm propulsion after whip kick

Case Study 2: Backstroke Rollover

Case Study 2: Backstroke Rollover

Cameron Van der Burgh cheats in 100m Breaststroke Final

Where to Next?

References• Herald Sun. (2012). Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh says he’s the ‘victim’ in

dolphin kicking furore. Retrieved from http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/london-olympics/swimmer-cameron-van-der-burgh-says-hes-the-victim-in-dolphin-kicking-furore/story-fn9dheyx-1226447186974

• Pease, D. (2008). Spotting Technique Faults – Below and Above the Water. Retrieved from Scientific Conferences. Coachesinfo.com

• Callaway, A. Cobb, J. Jones, I. (2009). A Comparison of Video and Accelerometer Based Approaches Applied to Performance Monitoring in Swimming. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 4(1). 139-153

• Seifert, L. Vantorre, J. Chollet, D. (2007). Biomechanical Analysis of the Breaststroke Start. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 28(11). 970-976

• Blanskby, B. Skender, S. Elliott, B. McElroy, K. Landers, G. (2004). An Analysis of the Rollover Backstroke Turn by Age-Group Swimmers. Sports Biomechanics. 3(1). 1-1

• All Images taken from Creative Commons - Flickr