How to film for Powerlifting Coaching

Bad Angles = Inefficient Coaching

 

Filming your sets is one of the most valuable tools in powerlifting coaching (Being self-coached counts).

A good video lets you or your coach catch technique breakdowns you might not feel, check bar path, check depth and lockout, and track your progress over time.

If the videos you are filming are wrong, half your body is missing, or the camera is shaking like it’s on a boat, your coach can’t give you accurate feedback.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to film squats, bench, and deadlifts so every rep gives your coach the info they need to help you lift more weight, more safely.

What makes a GOOD VIDEO? (for analysing technique)

Clear videos save time and let your coach focus on technique improvements, not guessing what happened.

✅ Keep the camera stable and at an appropriate height for each lift. (More on filming angles below)

✅ Show your full body and the barbell. No missing heads, knees, or feet.

✅ Edit out irrelevant moments or dead time. Keep the relevant portion of the set: setup, all reps, end of set.

✅ Not huge in size. This way storage won’t get full fast. Also videos smaller in size load up faster.

How to film for the squat

Clear videos to see your depth, bar path, and knee tracking correctly, film your squats from the right angles.

Frontal view:

· Camera set at hip height when standing with knees locked out.

· Lifter is centered in the video.

· No cropping of head or feet.

· Check If knees track correctly, squat stance, depth from front, elbow position, foot tripod.

Side View:

· Camera set at hip height.

· Camera set directly on the side,

· No cropping of head or feet. Make sure safeties are not blocking depth view.

· Check depth, bar path, elbow position, hip, knee and torso angle, balance.

 

How to film for the bench press

Clear videos to check your setup, bar path, elbow position and lockout.

Front-side View:

· Camera set above bench height, pointed slightly down.

· Camera to the front and side.

· No cropping of head, feet or barbell.

· Check elbow position, setup and arch, bar path.

Back View:

· Camera set slightly above bench height.

· Lifter is centered in the video.

· If filming from behind not possible, film directly from the front.

· Check elbow depth, elbow position, balance.

 

How to film for the Deadlift

Clear videos to check your hip and shoulder position, bar path, mid foot placement and more.

Front View:

·  Camera set at hip height when standing with knees locked out.

· Lifter is centered in the video.

· No cropping of head, feet or plates.

· Check Stance width, arm position, knee tracking, balance.

Side View:

·  Camera set at hip height when standing with knees locked out.

· Lifter is centered in the video.

· No cropping of head, feet or plates.

· Check hip, knee and torso angle, bar path, midfoot, balance.

Using a tripod

Using a tripod is one of the best investments for filming your lifts.

It lets you adjust the camera angle and height exactly how you need, so you can capture every rep clearly.

A tripod also prevents shaky footage and ensures you can film anywhere.

You can even get pocket-sized tripods that fit in your bag without taking up much space.

Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings while filming so you don’t get in anyone’s way or block equipment.

 

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