What Makes a Good Rowing Technique Video
Video analysis only works if the video shows what matters. Many rowers upload long, shaky clips from the wrong angle and then wonder why the feedback feels vague or unhelpful.
Why many rowing videos don’t help coaches
The biggest issue isn’t effort — it’s clarity. If the camera moves, the angle changes, or the clip is too long, it becomes hard to see consistent patterns.
Good coaching video is boring by design. It’s steady, repeatable, and focused on the stroke cycle — not the scenery.
The best camera angles for rowing analysis
This is the gold standard. It shows timing, posture, handle path, sequencing, and length clearly across multiple strokes.
Ideal for analysing posture, sequencing, and rhythm when water footage isn’t available.
How long should the clip be?
Shorter is better. Around 15–25 seconds is ideal.
- Enough strokes to see patterns
- Not so long that fatigue or randomness creeps in
- Easier for coaches to focus on priorities
Common mistakes that ruin video analysis
- Zooming in and out
- Walking alongside the boat
- Filming from behind or head-on only
- Very long clips with changing stroke rates
- Poor light or strong glare
How RowXL uses short clips more effectively
RowXL is designed around short, clear clips. Each upload is trimmed in-app, analysed for repeated patterns, and turned into a structured, coach-style report — not a list of random observations.
The aim isn’t to fix everything. It’s to fix the *right things first*.
Quick checklist before you upload
- Camera steady and side-on
- 15–25 seconds of continuous rowing
- Consistent rate and pressure
- Clear view of the full stroke