Previously, I’d say up to HALF of a coach’s time was devoted to describing or acting out the dive to show a diver what they just did. Adding a TiVo or other playback system let’s the diver see for themselves – but it still can’t give corrections.

So this system, like a TiVo for divers, can really help you see what is really going on – but it still doesn’t give tips or corrections, it just reports the facts.

If you get a monofin, or a fulcrum, or whatever, the equipment is basically an extension of you. It’s helping the swimmers to understand what you already know and are trying to teach them. This system, however, is taking information from the swimmers and basically telling the coach what they need to relay to their swimmers. In some sense, it reduces a lot of coaching to the ability to read a computer. Obviously there’s still more to it than that, but I feel like this is where the hesitation is. Coaches are nervous that they’re going to get too caught up in the numbers, when clearly there’s more than one way for a successful swimmer to swim their stroke.

Plus, it seems like any electronic swimming gadget ever invented has so many problems that it makes you want to pull your hair out. See Timing boards and touch pads.

I personally am a stats freak, so I would love a system like this. I’m just trying to play Devil’s advocate and surmise why a coach might be reluctant. This would be especially awesome with younger swimmers, or to prove your point to a stubborn swimmer. “See, what I’m telling you is right. The numbers don’t lie!”