Recording guide

How to Record Your Swimming

Clear, stable footage helps the coach measure technique and timing accurately. Use the section that matches the analysis you need.

Stroke analysis

Record at least two clear above-water clips. Supplementary underwater views are welcome. For the best comparison, film one complete length or a representative 25–100 metre effort.

Above water

  • Walk alongside the swimmer from a slightly elevated position when possible.
  • Hold the camera horizontally and keep the whole swimmer visible.
  • Move smoothly and avoid sudden panning or zooming.
  • For triathletes and distance swimmers, a representative pool effort is sufficient.

Underwater

  • Position the camera about one metre below the surface.
  • Record a head-on view with the swimmer centred in the frame.
  • Record a side view with the swimmer moving parallel to the camera.
  • Keep a fixed camera stable or use a smooth mobile trolley.
Camera following a swimmer from an elevated position
Follow the swimmer from a slightly elevated position.
Phone held in landscape orientation while recording
Always record in landscape orientation.
Swimmer centred in a head-on underwater view
Head-on view: keep the swimmer centred.
Side-view underwater recording of a swimmer
Side view: move parallel to the swimmer when possible.

Start analysis

  • Place the camera at the side of the pool, approximately 1–1.5 metres from the starting block.
  • Make sure the block setup, take-off, flight and water entry are all visible.
  • Record horizontally and keep enough space in front of the swimmer to capture the entry.
  • If possible, add an underwater clip of the entry, streamline and breakout.

Turn analysis

Above water

  • Film in landscape orientation.
  • Capture the approach, wall contact or rotation, push-off and breakout.
  • Use a side view or a head-on view while keeping the swimmer centred.

Underwater

  • Place the camera about one metre below the surface.
  • Keep the device stable throughout the turn.
  • Make sure the feet, streamline, underwater phase and breakout remain visible.

Race analysis

Record one complete event from the starter’s signal to the finish. The video must allow the analyst to connect race phases with the official result.

  • Stand close enough to hear the starting signal clearly.
  • Pan smoothly and keep the swimmer centred for the entire race.
  • Show the scoreboard or provide the official time after the finish.
  • Provide the swimmer’s name, event, distance, lane and official result.
  • Record in landscape orientation and avoid interrupting the video.

Next step

Stroke Analysis Start & Turn Analysis Race Analysis Guide