Why Have Video Swim Analysis

So its now the time of year when the hard training and racing has stopped. You’ve probably had a bit of time out from training – maybe a holiday. But now you’re getting back into doing a little bit of sport, building a little consistency for winter. Now is the time to sort out flaws in technique, things that may have been holding you back or causing you injury. Video swim analysis is one of the best tools around to help you with your swimming – regardless of your level or ability.

We specialise in the delivery of one-to-one swim stroke analysis sessions, in our endless pool at the amazing Triathlon Shop in Bristol. Here we can break down an athlete’s swim stroke, identify any flaws or weaknesses and give them guidance on how they can improve their stroke and overall efficiency, through their usual training sessions.

So what is video swim analysis?

During an hour session, our qualified coach will put your through a structured session in the pool, analysing all aspects of your stroke and looking for areas which could be improved. Examples include, but are not limited to, overall body position, body rotation, breathing technique, stroke efficiency. During the session itself we will give pointers where we can and will also provide you with a debrief at the end, identifying key areas for improvement and also particular drills or sessions you can follow to help overcome these, as part of your usual swim training.

We will always consider your aims and aspirations with your swimming at the outset of the session and incorporate this into the sessions and the advice we give. Whether you are an experienced swimmer or a novice looking to do your first triathlon, we are here the help with video swim analysis.

Can you video me?

Yes sure, we do this for the majority of our athletes and everybody comments on how watching their videos gives them an increased awareness of their body when they swim and what it is doing at various stages of the stroke. We use a number of high definition cameras to capture video swim analysis at various angles, both above and beneath the water. At the end of the session your coach will take you through these and they will also potentially be available to keep at the end of your session.

Is swim analysis really for me?

Whether you are an experienced triathlete or relatively new to swimming, everybody can benefit from having video swim analysis. As with all aspects of life, we all develop bad habits and even the smallest issue in your stroke can have a massive impact on your overall efficiency through the water. See a video below of shop director Holly Burrage in the pool having a session of coaching with us.

What is an endless pool?

Our endless pool is approximately 3 metres long and 2 metres wide and just over a metre deep. This may not sound like a lot but a water jet at the front pushes water down the pool creating a current that the athlete then swims into. We are able to control the speed of the current and as such can set the pace to you and the type of session you are undertaking.

You as an athlete push off from the back wall and start to swim. Once you are settled into your stroke you will in effect be swimming on the spot. The mirror we have on the bottom of the pool acts as a guide and also allows the you to watch your stroke as you are swimming. Once you have had enough you simply stop swimming, float towards the back of the pool and stand up.

When Can I Do A Session?

The pool is available whenever the store is open. We can do sessions Monday-Friday 8-6, and Saturday 10.30-5.30. Things are obviously open to availability

How long does a session last?

A typical session lasts 1 hour, although first sessions may be slightly longer due to the initial chat you will complete with your coach. Remember this is your one-to-one with a coach and you have their undivided attention, but it won’t be constant swimming for an hour! A lot of the time will be spent looking at the video of you swimming and understanding what will make your stroke better/stronger/smoother/faster.

How much will it cost?

A single hour one to one session costs £65, with the option to take the video swim analysis home a further £15 on top of that. Beyond that we offer the option of a personalised PDF with particular drills, skills and comments from the session at £100. Finally with a review swim at a later date for £120. We are just about to start offering block bookings, where athletes can pre-pay for a number of sessions at a significantly discounted rate. Please contact us for our current special offers.

OK I am sold! How do I book my first session?

Simple, complete our online booking form using the link below and we will be in touch to arrange a suitable slot and get you in the pool. We look forward to meeting you!

http://www.thetriathlonshop.co.uk/pages/endless-pool