Training Session Workflow
Training footage is different from race footage — sessions are longer, footage is less structured, and the insights you want are more technical. This workflow covers how to get the most from SwimLab in a training context.
What to Film in Training
You don’t need to film entire sessions. Target specific sets where you want data:
| What to film | Why |
|---|---|
| Time trial sets | Compare splits to race benchmarks |
| Threshold sets | Track pacing consistency across reps |
| Turn drills | Detailed underwater analysis |
| Starts | Reaction time and first 15m |
| Technique swims | Side or underwater angle for breakout/stroke analysis |
Underwater or side-angle footage (filmed through the window or from beside the lane) gives much richer technique data than end-on footage. Use both angles where you have access.
Uploading Training Videos
Training videos are often longer and less labelled than race footage. When uploading:
- Use the Title field to include the set type: “Threshold 8×100 – Lane 3 – March session”
- Set Pool length accurately — this affects split calculations
- Use Tags to group by athlete, phase (pre-season / taper), or technique focus
- You can upload multiple angles of the same set and annotate them separately
Annotating a Time Trial
For a time trial in training, annotate the same way as a race:
- Start → Turn(s) → Finish for splits
- Add Breakout and 15m markers for underwater metrics
Then compare to the most recent race using the Comparison feature to see if training splits are matching race performance.
Annotating a Repeat Set
Upload the full set video
A 8×100m set might be 25–30 minutes of footage. Upload the whole clip.
Create one annotation per rep
In the annotate screen, use Custom markers with names like “Rep 1 Start”, “Rep 1 Turn 1”, etc. to distinguish reps within a single video.
Export to spreadsheet
Export the splits table as CSV. In Excel or Google Sheets, each rep’s data is in its own row — easy to chart pacing across the set.
Alternatively, if you have time to film each rep separately, upload separate files per rep. This keeps each annotation clean and makes comparison easier.
Underwater and Technique Analysis
For detailed technique work, pair SwimLab with underwater footage:
- Film through the observation window or with an underwater camera on a pole
- Upload the angle you want to focus on — end view for turns, side view for stroke
- Use Custom markers to tag stroke errors, body position changes, or technique cues
- Use the trim tool to cut 5–10 second clips of specific moments to show the athlete
Tracking Progress Over Time
SwimLab’s library lets you see all videos of a given athlete side-by-side using the Comparison feature. A useful monthly habit:
- Film a set of time-trial 50s or 100s at the start of each training block
- Tag them by athlete and date
- At the end of the block, compare the new time trial with the previous one
- Look at changes in: total time, underwater time, turn cycle, first lap vs. back half
This gives athletes visible evidence of progress (or areas needing work) without relying on race results alone.