SwimLens is designed to support coaches, not compete with them.
The service exists to provide clear, neutral and professional level visual information that coaches may choose to use—or not use—as they see fit within their own programs.
A Coach-First Philosophy
SwimLens does not coach swimmers, prescribe technique changes, or deliver instruction on deck.
All coaching authority remains fully with the swimmer’s team coach. SwimLens exists to help swimmers and families see what is happening, so that conversations and coaching can be more productive when appropriate.
Hosting & Compliance
SwimLens operates exclusively through sanctioned clinics hosted by swim clubs. This structure ensures insurance coverage, compliance with USA Swimming and LSC policies, and allows participation from swimmers across multiple clubs and LSCs.
Athlete Eligibility
Any USA Swimming–registered athlete may attend a SwimLens clinic, regardless of home LSC. Coaches may also book SwimLens sessions specifically for their team or training group.
What Coaches Receive From SwimLens
SwimLens provides:
- High-quality video from multiple angles
- Real time and slow-motion clips from each stroke and each angle
- Descriptive analysis explaining what can be observed…
- …written in plain language without adding overly complicated data. Our service is geared towards age-group swimmers, their families and coaches who coach them. SwimLens DOES NOT provide data from equipment like “velocity meters” and pressure paddles. Neither do we measure angles with protractors, or time code videos. In our view this type of (often expensive and time consuming) analysis is best left for national level athletes and true elites who really need it. There are multiple reputable services out there for that.
Please note: The analysis is observational, not prescriptive. It does not tell swimmers what to change or how to train.
Many coaches use video as a shared visual reference. SwimLens is designed to make that process easier and more consistent, without adding to a coach’s workload.
Equipment Philosophy
SwimLens uses a custom-built filming setup designed specifically for swimming analysis. Each session captures swimmers both above and below the water, from multiple angles, allowing for a clear view of body position, timing, and movement patterns.
We normally capture:
- Side views, both above and under water– these help to see EVFs, elbow/wrist, knee and ankle positions/angles during pull and kick phases, kick patterns and amplitude, head and body alignments, recovery paths/heights, general rhythm and body connections
- Front , under the water– This helps to see in- and out-sweeps, wrist bends at entry, head positions (breath vs no-breath) and general symmetry
- From top, straight above the swimmer– This helps to see, hand path and entry during recovery (narrow vs wide), lateral head movements, “snaking”, kick width and arm-leg-body connections
The setup is designed to film these angles simultaneously, ensuring consistent perspective and timing across clips. This allows swimmers and families to see how movements connect across views, without needing repeated swims or staged shots.
How SwimLens Fits Into a Training Program
SwimLens clinics are intended as periodic checkpoints, not ongoing instruction.
Typical use cases include:
- seasonal technique reviews
- visual reference during stroke discussions
- helping swimmers better understand verbal feedback
- aligning swimmer perception with coach intent
How—or whether—the analysis is used in practice is entirely at the coach’s discretion.
Team and Group Clinics
Coaches may coordinate private team or group SwimLens clinics for their athletes.
Team clinics:
- follow the same non-instructional format as all SwimLens clinics
- are scheduled to fit the team’s training calendar
- allow coaches to control timing, participation, and context
- are hosted either at one of the facilities we frequently use, or at your own pool, if conditions and requirements allow
Team pricing and scheduling are handled directly with coaches and are not publicly listed.
Role During the Clinic
During a SwimLens clinic:
- SwimLens handles filming and session flow
- No instruction is given to swimmers
- Coaches are welcome to observe but are not required to be involved
The clinic is designed to be low-disruption and to fit smoothly into existing pool operations.
Frequency and Use Guidance
SwimLens clinics are intentionally limited in frequency.
For most swimmers:
- one session per season is sufficient
- additional sessions are typically coordinated with a coach
This approach preserves clarity and avoids turning analysis into a substitute for coaching.
Age and Readiness Considerations
SwimLens clinics are primarily designed for competitive age-group swimmers, typically in the 10–16 age range.
Coaches are best positioned to determine whether an athlete outside this range is developmentally ready for video analysis (if younger), or needs this type of analysis (if older).
Compliance and Professional Standards
SwimLens clinics:
- are conducted under appropriate USA Swimming clinic sanctioning
- follow Safe Sport guidelines
- take place in open, observable environments
SwimLens is operated by a USA Swimming–certified coach, and professional standards are treated as non-negotiable.
SwimLens Clinics are hosted by USA Swimming certified clubs for sanctioning and insurance purposes. Filming, analysis and final delivery are handled solely by SwimLens, as a service provider.
What SwimLens Does Not Do
To be clear, SwimLens does not:
- provide private lessons
- override coaching decisions
- assign drills or workouts
- evaluate or rank athletes
- recruit swimmers
SwimLens is a tool, not a program.
Contact for Coaches
Coaches interested in:
- coordinating a team clinic
- asking questions about format or logistics
- discussing whether SwimLens is appropriate for their athletes
are welcome to reach out directly.
