With heart rate monitors, power meters, smartwatches, and other gadgets now the norm at all levels of sport, data collection for athlete performance has reached impressive heights. Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and Apple, have made remote coaching for runners and cyclists a practical reality. Yet, swimmers have historically faced a technological gap, as even basic tools like heart rate monitors can be challenging to use in the water. Instead, they had to rely on simple metrics like time, distance, stroke count and stroke rate along with the opinion of their coach whose trained eye and gut instincts were generally all they had to go by.
Remote coaching in swimming, however, is quickly evolving, thanks to eo SwimBETTER. This innovative wearable technology provides comprehensive metrics that bring a whole new dimension to online coaching by replacing guesswork with precise data on a swimmer’s stroke.
The Key to Speed: Distance per Stroke and Stroke Rate
Swimming speed is determined by two main factors: distance per stroke and stroke rate. In other words, how far a swimmer propels forward with each stroke and the number of strokes they take in a set time. Traditionally, the best way to improve this was with a coach on pool deck, observing and correcting technique in real-time. Now, with eo SwimBETTER, coaches can analyse a detailed view of each stroke from anywhere, gaining insights that would be impossible to discern from poolside alone.
Analysing Force with Precision: The Force Field Chart
One of eo SwimBETTER’s standout features is the Force Field chart, which provides a graphic representation of a swimmer’s effort along with a six-direction percentage breakdown of where their force is being applied in the propulsive direction, hand drag, as well as up, down, left, and right. This enables coaches to see exactly where a swimmer’s effort is directed.
In the example on the left, one third of the swimmer’s force is directed down and only 54% is propelling them forward. This downward force is robbing them of propulsion. With this data, coaches can quickly address inefficiencies, helping swimmers to focus on achieving the intended results from each stroke.
Mapping Every Stroke: The Stroke Path & Hand Velocity Chart
The Stroke Path & Hand Velocity chart shows exactly where the hand travels in every single stroke from the side, overhead and head on perspectives. This, coupled with the data provided in the Force Field chart, allows the coach to easily identify areas of the swimmer’s stroke that may be compromising their speed and efficiency.
Synchronising Data with Video: A Complete View of Stroke Mechanics
The integration of synchronised video with eo SwimBETTER data adds another layer of insight for remote coaching. Even if the video is recorded with a mobile phone from poolside, it provides a useful visual of the swimmer’s action.
According to Newton’s third law of motion, each action has an equal and opposite reaction. The video captures the action, while eo SwimBETTER’s data reveals the reaction. Coaches can then provide drills to adjust technique and perfect the desired reactions. When the reaction aligns with the swimmer’s goals, they’re on the path to achieving personal bests – or even record-breaking performances.
Applying Data-Driven Drills for Technique Improvement
With this data-driven insight, remote coaching is not only possible but effective. Much like a doctor prescribes medication to address specific symptoms, a coach can prescribe drills to address specific technique deficiencies.
Drills – specific movements that break down strokes into focused components – help swimmers hone aspects like breathing, kicking, or arm positioning. With eo SwimBETTER metrics, coaches can ensure drills are executed effectively, improving technique even from afar.
Going the Distance with Stroke Rate
Once technique is polished, increasing stroke rate becomes the key to speed. This phase of training is often simpler to coach remotely, as the swimmer’s foundational skills are established, and adjustments are largely focused on maintaining technique while increasing speed.
This is where consistency comes into play. Consistency of good technique will get you swimming faster and eo SwimBETTER’s consistency metric will show you very quickly if your technique deteriorates under pressure, over distance or at varying speeds.
The Future of Online Coaching in Swimming
eo SwimBETTER has revolutionised the concept of online swim coaching. What was once a challenge is now a viable solution for any swimmer with a pair of eo SwimBETTER handsets and a coach proficient in both training principles and stroke mechanics.
The ability to work together seamlessly, even across continents, is transforming the way coaches and swimmers collaborate to improve performance.
For more information on eo SwimBETTER contact us or get in touch via franz@performancecubed.co.za