video-based stroke analysis clinics for competitive swimmers

Old Problems, New Solution
We all love swimming, but it is an incredibly hard sport to master technically. What makes our sport so technique sensitive is the fact that water is dense and every tiny detail can have a huge impact on performance. This creates some swim-specific challenges for coaches, as well as swimmers…
CHALLENGES COACHES & SWIMMERS FACE
COACHES can’t really see very well from the deck where and how most of the action is taking place… under water. For two reasons- swimmers shield their limbs with their bodies and light bends as it crosses from air into water.
It’s why being a swim coach is part art and part science and requires great deal of experience and intuition in order to accurately infer total movement patterns from only partial motions visible above water. The truth is- It’s incredibly helpful for coaches to sometimes see swimmers from angles and speeds simply not possible from deck with naked eyes only, or even using a phone.
SWIMMERS can’t really gauge their movements in great detail as they are practicing and racing, especially inexperienced/young athletes. It’s because the arm, leg and trunk movements are so fast (especially at race speeds) that there’s simply no time to cerebrate about all the details. Plus being in water makes everything even more confusing sensory processing wise.
It takes years to develop the type of body awareness elite swimmers posses- how-ever, meaningful periodic visual feedback, paired with attention to detail, can shorten this learning curve significantly.
an easy solution
The best solution to help with these problems is periodically incorporating video monitoring and analysis as part of training seasons, so swimmers and coaches have accurate (visual) references to lean on.
Other sports have used video for decades, but in the swimming world, so far, this technology is under-utilized, because it has always been difficult to regularly film (well and efficiently) underwater without very expensive specialized equipment, so only elite /national, and perhaps some top tier college teams, have been able to take advantage of it.
This is where SwimLens comes in… We offer Video Analysis Clinics to competitive swim teams as well as individual swimmers, as a tool, not as instruction.
Our clinics are structured as thorough periodic technique check-points and are meant to be utilized a few times a year, at most. And they are now available to any USA Swimming registered team/athlete.
How it works?
It Couldn’t be simpler

Receive high-quality video and written analysis designed to support — not replace — team coaching.
- FILM– Short, structured filming during a clinic session. Schedule a time slot during one of our clinics, bring your swim suit and goggles and be ready to swim 50 yards of each stroke, with plenty of rest in between. You’ll be filmed from multiple angles while swimming. Filming takes ~15 minutes.
- ANALYZE– We’ll do all the work of filming, editing the videos and analyzing the stroke mechanics. Detailed video review and written feedback is performed by a USA Swimming certified coach who specializes in stroke mechanics.
- DELIVER– Private video access + PDF analysis within days. We’ll e-mail you a professionally written PDF report and a link to privately stored folder with real time, as well as slow motion, video clips of each stroke and each angle. There is no feedback given on deck or on-going coaching.
WHAT SWIMLENS IS / IS NOT
SwimLens IS
- A Visual Analysis Tool– Designed to support swimmers and coaches
- Delivered Through Clinics– We work with local clubs and pools who host our clinics
- Focused on Stroke Mechanics– You’ll receive a straightforward and plain language stroke mechanics analysis report and corresponding video, without overly complicated raw data
- Used 1–2 Times per Season– Recommended frequency to maximize usefulness and balance costs to swimmers and their families
SwimLens IS NOT
- Not Coaching– It’s a tool used by athletes and coaches, NOT a coach replacement.
- Not Instruction– All technique observations will be provided in the report, NOT on deck while filming
- Not Training Plans– Our reports are a one-time snapshot/analysis of stroke mechanics. We do NOT provide on-going training plans or guidance.
- Not a Replacement for Practice– We do NOT train athletes on a regular basis.
Who it’s for?
Swimlens is designed for:

- Coaches, Clubs and Teams– looking for supplemental analysis tools. To be able to see what you can’t from the deck. The videos are edited to present real time, as well as slow motion versions from each angle, in high resolution, so details can be seen with much greater clarity and on any screen, not just phones.
- Competitive Swimmers– (typically ages 10–16). Although we serve all USA Swimming registered athletes, the focus remains on this age group, as it is a critical technique development window.
- Families– seeking visual understanding. Although technique assessment and corrections should remain solely with your coach, our reports and videos help families to understand what swim technique is all about and what coaches mean when mentioning certain techniques or swim-related terms.
Curious what a SwimLens Analysis looks like?
FAQs
By Swimmers & Parents:
What is SwimLens?
SwimLens is a video-based stroke analysis clinic.
Swimmers are filmed from multiple angles during a structured clinic session, and the footage is later reviewed to produce a written technical analysis. The goal is to help swimmers and families better see and understand stroke mechanics.
SwimLens is designed as a supplemental, observational tool, not as a training or coaching program.
Is SwimLens coaching or instruction?
No. SwimLens is not coaching and does not provide instruction.
- No technical corrections are given on deck
- No drills, workouts, or training plans are prescribed
- No changes are implemented during the session
All coaching decisions remain with the swimmer’s team coach.
How does SwimLens clinic work?
A typical SwimLens clinic has three phases:
- Filming
Swimmers are filmed swimming short distances of each stroke in a controlled, organized format. - Analysis
After the clinic, the footage is reviewed in detail and key technical moments are identified. - Delivery
Each swimmer receives:- Private access to their video clips
- A written PDF report
Delivery typically occurs within one week.
What exactly do I get in SwimLens Analysis?
A SwimLens Analysis includes two parts- videos of each stroke from 4 different angles and a written report.
Videos are delivered through a private online video platform (Vimeo), allowing swimmers and families to:
- watch clips at normal or slow speed
- pause and review specific moments
- access their videos securely
The written analysis is delivered as a PDF of key findings, typically via email with a link to the video folder. It includes observations about stroke mechanics, but no training plans or drills.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
SwimLens clinics are primarily designed for competitive age-group swimmers, typically in the 10–16 age range.
Participation outside this range may be appropriate depending on swimmer readiness and is usually coordinated with a coach. Age alone does not determine eligibility; developmental readiness and comfort in the water are more important.
Do swimmers need to be registered with USA Swimming?
YES. All participants must have a current valid USA Swimming registration and be in good standing.
Where does SwimLens operate? (Where do clinics take place?)
SwimLens operates in the NYC vicinity and is hosted by various Metro LSC registered swimming clubs (for insurance and sanctioning reasons), with Mark Twain Pool in Yonkers being one of our main filming locations for now. Clinics at other pools may be offered based on pool availability. Clinic locations are listed on PRICING & BOOKING page.
Can my swimmer attend if we’re not in Metro?
Yes. SwimLens clinics are open to any USA Swimming–registered swimmer, including those from Connecticut, New Jersey, and other LSCs.
Does my swimmer need to belong to the host club?
No. Unless a session is designated as club-only, swimmers do not need to be members of the host club to participate. Our OPEN SESSIONS are meant for individual USA Swimming registered swimmers from any LSC, club or team. Team sessions are handled directly with participating team and their coach.
Can parents watch the session?
Yes. Clinics are conducted in open, observable environments, and parents may observe in accordance with facility rules.
However, to minimize distractions, interaction during the session itself is discouraged.
How is my swimmer filmed?
Swimmers are filmed using a professional, custom-built setup that captures multiple angles above and below the water at the same time. This allows movements to be reviewed from different perspectives without repeated swims.
Are videos stored permanently?
Videos are retained for a defined period to allow swimmers time to review and download their content. Long-term storage is not guaranteed, so swimmers are encouraged to save their materials once delivered.
Specific retention timelines are outlined in SwimLens’ Privacy Policy.
Who sees the videos?
Only:
- The swimmer
- The swimmer’s family
- Anyone the family chooses to share access with (e.g., the team coach)
Videos are delivered privately and are not shared publicly.
What if swimmer is nervous or uncomfortable being filmed?
Participation is always optional.
If a swimmer is uncomfortable at any point, filming can be paused or stopped. Comfort and safety are prioritized over capturing footage.
What does SwimLens cost?
Pricing varies based on:
- session type
- swimmer participation
- hosting arrangements
Individual clinic pricing is listed on the site. Coach-coordinated team sessions may be priced differently and are handled directly with coaches.
How often should a swimmer do this?
SwimLens clinics are designed as periodic technique checkpoints. For most swimmers, one session per season— typically once during short course and once during long course — is sufficient. Additional sessions may be appropriate in specific circumstances and are generally coordinated with the swimmer’s coach
What happens if clinic is cancelled or I can not attend a booked session?
Cancellation and refund policies depend on the hosting arrangement and are clearly communicated at the time of booking. General details and policies are available in Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Who should I contact with questions?
For general questions, scheduling inquiries, or coach coordination, you can contact SwimLens directly through the website’s contact page.
By Coaches & Teams:
Is this USA Swimming and Safe Sport compliant??
Yes.
- Clinics are conducted under appropriate USA Swimming clinic sanctioning
- SwimLens is operated by a USA Swimming–certified coach
- All sessions follow Safe Sport guidelines
- Filming occurs in open, observable environments
- No private or isolated interactions occur
Where does SwimLens primarily operate?
SwimLens partners with host clubs to hold filming sessions. As of now, SwimLens operates primarily with-in Metropolitan LSC footprint, but any USA Swimming registered swimmer or club/team can attend, including New Jersey, Connectiucut etc.
Why are SwimLens clinics hosted through clubs?
Hosting clinics through clubs ensures proper insurance coverage, USA Swimming compliance, and access to approved facilities, while allowing swimmers from multiple clubs and LSCs to participate.
Is SwimLens affiliated with any team?
No. SwimLens is an independent service.
Some clinics are hosted by individual swim clubs, and others may be coordinated through coaches or facilities. Hosting arrangements do not change the independent nature of the analysis service.
Can swimmers from other LSCs attend a SwimLens clinic?
Yes. Any USA Swimming–registered athlete may attend, regardless of home LSC, provided the clinic is sanctioned and hosted by a club with-in the LSCs footprint where filming takes place.
Can SwimLens operate outside the Metropolitan LSC?
Potentially, yes — subject to pool access, host club involvement, and applicable LSC requirements. Any such sessions would follow the same clinic-based, compliance-driven structure.
What is SwimLens not intended for?
SwimLens is not intended to:
- replace coaching
- provide training plans
- diagnose injuries
- compare swimmers
- evaluate talent or rankings
It is a visual learning and awareness tool only.
Do swimmers receive feedback during the session?
No. There is no instruction or feedback given on deck during filming.
All analysis is delivered afterward in written form to maintain a clear distinction between analysis and coaching.
How is SwimLens different from regular practice video?
SwimLens differs from casual or practice video because:
- filming is structured and consistent
- multiple angles are used, utilizing professional level filming equipment to film under, as well as above water
- footage is reviewed systematically
- written analysis explains what to observe rather than just showing video
The emphasis is on understanding, not volume of footage.
What kind of filming setup does SwimLens use?
SwimLens uses a custom-built, multi-angle filming system designed specifically for swimming analysis. The setup captures above- and below-water views simultaneously to provide consistent visual context without disrupting normal swimming.
What strokes are included?
SwimLens analysis covers all four competitive strokes:
- Freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
Starts and turns are not included, as the focus is on continuous swimming stroke mechanics.
Coaches/teams may request special clinics for starts and turns directly.
What angles are included?
Filming typically includes multiple viewpoints to provide a complete picture of stroke mechanics, such as:
- Side view underwater
- Side view above water
- Front or head-on underwater
- Direct overhead view (when facility setup allows)
A camera dolly may be used to track swimmers rather than using stationary cameras only. The exact setup depends on pool layout and session logistics.
Do we use advanced tools like “velocity meters” and pressure sensing paddles?
No. Neither do we measure exact angles with protractors, nor time code videos to milliseconds. Our videos are extremely high quality and reports are very detail-oriented, but written in plain language so they are understandable to age-group swimmers themselves and their families, therefore enabling clear communication with their coaches.
Side Note: In our view, raw data heavy analysis, using extremely sophisticated data collection equipment, can be very useful, but should usually be reserved for national level/true elite swimmers. There are definitely reputable services out there for this, and we do wholeheartedly recommend it, but only for swimmers who are ready for it.
Can coaches request team-specific clinics?
Yes. Coaches may coordinate team or group clinics directly whether hosted by your own club or a club/facility we regularly work with.
These sessions are scheduled and priced separately and are not publicly advertised. Coaches remain fully in control of how the analysis is integrated into their program.
Please Note! SwimLens exists to help swimmers, families, and coaches better see technique — not to replace the work already happening on deck.
get in touch
READY TO TRY?… OR JUST NEED MORE INFO?
Find dates and times of upcoming clinics or simply get further clarification.
