How to Film Your Golf Swing for Useful Feedback

By Jacob Williams · April 11, 2022

Golf-swing video is most useful when the camera position is stable and repeatable. A small change in camera height or direction can make the same movement look different, so consistency matters more than cinematic quality.

Two views cover most basic swing-review needs: down the target line and face-on.

Set up safely

Use a tripod or stable surface outside the hitting area. Make sure the phone cannot be struck by the club or ball, and do not ask another person to stand in an unsafe position.

Choose good light and a background that makes the club and body easy to see. Confirm that recording is permitted and avoid including other golfers without their consent.

Down-the-line view

Place the camera behind the golfer, looking parallel to the target line. Use a consistent reference—commonly the hand line or another position specified by the coach—rather than shifting between the ball, feet, and hands from one recording to the next.

Set the lens around hand-to-elbow height at address. Frame the golfer so the entire body and club remain visible from setup through the finish.

This view is useful for observing alignment, swing direction, club movement, posture, and how the golfer uses space during the motion.

Face-on view

Place the camera perpendicular to the target line, facing the golfer. Center the player and keep the lens around hand-to-elbow height.

The complete club, hands, feet, and finish should remain in the frame. This view can help show ball position, width, body movement, and the relationship between the golfer and the target side.

For a left-handed golfer, the face-on camera will be on the opposite side from the usual right-handed setup. The camera should still remain perpendicular to the target line.

Phone and framing checklist

• Clean the camera lens.
• Use a tripod or stable support.
• Keep the phone level rather than tilted.
• Leave enough space above and beside the golfer for the full club.
• Avoid digital zoom when moving the camera farther back creates a clearer frame.
• Use slow motion or a higher frame rate when available and the lighting remains clear.
• Record the same orientation and angle each time you want to compare swings.

Record representative swings

Capture a small set rather than only the best or worst swing. Note the club, target, intended shot, contact, start direction, and curve. That context helps connect the video to what the ball actually did.

Video can show when a movement occurred, but it does not explain every cause. Camera angle, lens distortion, and one unusual swing can all create a misleading impression. Compare similar views and use ball flight and contact alongside the image.

What to send a coach

For a clear review, send:

1. One face-on swing
2. One down-the-line swing
3. The club used
4. The intended target and shot
5. A short description of the usual miss

Golf Upgrades uses video when it helps clarify the golfer's pattern and next practice priority. Coaching is provided by Jacob Williams, PGA Associate, at Sorrento Canyon Golf Center and Miramar Golf Course.

View Lessons & Availability

Sources

• USGA U.S. National Development Program: Video Recording Guide
• TrackMan: Camera Setup for 3D Motion Analysis
• PGA of America training guidance: Face-on and down-the-line lesson video

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