This document discusses the use of underwater video in swimming coaching. It outlines some of the challenges of underwater viewing like refraction, bubbles and reflection. It then discusses different methods coaches can use to view technique like swimming alongside the athlete, an underwater viewing room, or using an underwater video camera. The benefits of underwater video are discussed, including an undistorted image, real-time viewing, creating a permanent record, slow motion playback, and viewing from multiple angles. Two case studies on breaststroke and backstroke technique are presented. The document concludes by discussing some controversies with video evidence and possibilities for future applications.

1. Underwater Video in
Swimming Coaching
Seconds Count

2. Environmental Aspects
1. Refraction

3. Environmental Aspects
1. Refraction
2. Bubbles

4. Environmental Aspects
1. Refraction
2. Bubbles
3. Reflection

5. How can coaches see their athlete’s
technique underwater?
1. Coach swims alongside athlete

6. How can coaches see their athlete’s
technique underwater?
1. Coach swims alongside athlete
2. Underwater viewing room

7. How can coaches see their athlete’s
technique underwater?
1. Coach swims alongside athlete
2. Underwater viewing room
3. Underwater video camera

8. Benefits of Underwater Camera
1. Image is not distorted

9. Benefits of Underwater Camera
1. Image is not distorted
2. Coach can view image on screen in real time

10. Benefits of Underwater Camera
1. Image is not distorted
2. Coach can view image on screen in real time
3. Permanent record of athlete’s technique

11. Benefits of Underwater Camera
1. Image is not distorted
2. Coach can view image on screen in real time
3. Permanent record of athlete’s technique
4. Slow motion

12. Benefits of Underwater Camera
4. Slow motion
5. Multiple views available

13. Benefits of Underwater Camera
4. Slow motion
5. Multiple views available
6. Accurately measure velocity, stroke length
and stroke frequency

14. Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out

15. Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out
1. Glide

16. Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out
1. Glide
2. Push-Pull of arms

17. Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out
1. Glide with extended arms
2. Push-Pull of arms
3. Glide with arms at thighs

18. Case Study 1: Breaststroke Pull Out
1. Glide with extended arms
2. Push-Pull of arms
3. Glide with arms at thighs
4. Initial arm propulsion after whip kick

19. Case Study 2: Backstroke Rollover

20. Case Study 2: Backstroke Rollover

21. Cameron Van der Burgh cheats in
100m Breaststroke Final

24. Where to Next?

26. 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