Written by Ashlye Hylton Toure, Owner, TPM Fastpitch Academy, Atlanta, GA
The Video Delay Instant Replay app offers several tools that I find extremely useful when working with fastpitch softball athletes at TPM Fastpitch Academy in Atlanta, GA. One feature we use frequently during hitting sessions is the Replay View. Combined with the Draw Tool, it allows coaches to provide clear visual feedback to athletes, enabling them to immediately see and understand adjustments to their swing.
Softball Training Setup for Video Delay
In our facility, both the athlete and the coach can easily see delayed playback via a device on a tripod, wirelessly connected to a TV monitor.
- TV monitor
- Device tripod (for an iPhone or iPad)
- Bluetooth or screen-mirroring connection from the device to the monitor.
This setup allows the athlete to view their swing almost immediately after it happens, which is extremely valuable for real-time feedback.
How to Use the Video Delay App for Softball Hitting Sessions
During most sessions, I set the app to run continuously with a 5–7 second delay. This allows the athlete to complete a swing, then quickly watch the previous swing before stepping back in to hit again. Occasionally, I use Split View with different times in each delay window to watch the same swing twice.
I can also pause the session, tap Replay, and go over the last few swings with the athlete to point out specific movements, timing, or mechanical adjustments that may need attention. This visual feedback helps athletes connect what they feel in their swing with what is actually happening.
Video Delay Features That Improve Softball Training
In addition to hands-free video feedback, the app offers several features that enhance our hitting sessions:
- Flip function for changing horizontal orientation
- Adjustable playback speed for detailed slow-motion analysis
- On-screen Draw Tool to mark and highlight body positioning or movement patterns
Recent updates have further expanded these capabilities:
- Scanning back through previous actions during delayed playback
- Importing external video for side-by-side comparison on the Replay View
These tools make it easy to break down swing mechanics while keeping the training session moving efficiently.
Using Replay View and Draw Tool for Softball Swing Review
The drawing feature is especially helpful when explaining mechanical adjustments. The Draw Toolbox offers freehand shapes, lines, and an angle measuring tool to help deliver more accurate feedback on the player’s swing.
1. Camera Setup for Softball Training Session
Place your device on a tripod, select the camera, and choose your preferred angle. For hitting sessions, the most useful angles are:
- Direct side view
- Slightly angled front view from the opposite batter’s box
These angles provide a clear view of the swing sequence and body positioning.
💡Tip: To see every part of the hitter’s movement clearly, select the appropriate camera lens and use the Zoom tool for an optimal view.
2. Start Delayed Playback
Open the app, tap Start Delay, then set your preferred delay time. I typically use 5 or 7 seconds for hitting sessions. Once buffering is complete, a delayed video of the player’s last swing will appear. To review earlier swings, swipe right across the middle of the screen to scan back the playback.
3. Access the Replay View
When you want a more detailed review of a swing, tap Replay at the bottom of the screen and select the clip sequence you want to analyze.
💡Tip: You can choose which part of the feedback to include in the AB loop: Playback or Live. “Playback” shows what was already on the screen before you tapped Replay. “Live” shows what happened right before you tapped Replay.
4. Use the Draw Tool for Swing Analysis
Tap the Draw button on the right side of the screen and select drawing tools for analysis. Use lines, shapes, or markers to highlight important positions in the swing.
For example, I used the Draw feature during the hitting session to analyze an athlete’s shoulder and hip positioning throughout the swing sequence and visually demonstrate where adjustments were needed.
💡Tip: You can draw lines directly on the delayed video so the athlete can see their hip and shoulder positions right after each rep.
Why the Video Delay Instant Replay Works Well for Softball Coaching
The Video Delay Instant Replay app provides simple, effective technology that can be used quickly during training sessions with athletes of any age or skill level. Instant visual feedback helps players better understand mechanics and makes coaching cues much more effective.
When used consistently, tools like replay and on-screen drawing can significantly improve an athlete’s awareness of movement patterns and help accelerate skill development.
