The science behind swimming

Athletes in the WAIS swimming program are reaping the benefits of the latest in swimming coaching technology. During training, coaches and staff are using recording equipment called ‘Swim Pro’, an underwater camera that offers real-time feedback. New Movement Specialist at WAIS, Helen Bayne, says the team apply biomechanics, skill acquisition and performance analysis methods to understand and improve athletes’ technical abilities.

“The Swim Pro system features a camera that we fix to the wall to film turns and another mobile camera that we move through the water, following the athlete” she says. “This allows us to film the athlete and immediately review their skill execution with them and their coach after each attempt. “

“We can view what the swimmers are doing under water and provide them with visual feedback on the execution of their skills, which really enhances their learning” she says. “Certain tools also allow us to quantitatively measure performance and technique variables, so that we have objective data to support the coach’s eye”.

Also working closely with the squads is PHD student at the University of Western Australia, Eoghan Trihy, who says “I’ve been doing research on intracycle acceleration in freestyle swimming, and I work with the WAIS swimming program to provide movement science support”.

“We have a calibrated camera system (CLOGS) that allows us to accurately measure angles and speed, we test the athletes with this system to monitor changes in performance in the training environment” he says.

WAIS swimmer Ashton Brinkworth believes the technology has improved his technique “It’s very useful to get week to week updates, and the technology has really allowed me to fine tune my skills” he says. The quick uploads of the video recording and analysis to Hudl (online video platform) means I can watch and review these changes at any time, and it is really insightful, allowing me to see these changes over time” he says.

Movement Specialist Bayne says it takes a team effort to help make the minor improvements that can be decisive in competition “It is a very collaborative process, with the coaches and movement specialists working closely together to analyse and interpret the images and data, and to come up with individualised solutions for each swimmer, the athlete’s engagement is also a key part of the process, because success relies on their commitment to take onboard the instructions and execute the plans and give us feedback in return.”