Instant Swing Playback

Instant Swing Playback automatically records and replays your golf swing so you can review it immediately, no need to press record.

Using motion detection, the app captures each swing, plays it back within seconds, and resets so you can continue practicing without interruption.

How to Get Started

Open the 18Birdies app
Tap the School tab at the bottom
Tap Instant Swing Playback from the Practice Toolbox
Set up your phone and start swinging

Once set up, recording and playback happen automatically.

How It Works

Instant Swing Playback uses motion detection to automatically capture your swing and replay it within seconds.

Each time you swing:

Your motion is detected automatically
The app records your full swing (address → follow-through)
The clip is trimmed to show only the swing
Playback begins shortly after impact
You’ll see:
- 1 replay at full speed
- 1 replay in slow motion
The screen resets and waits for your next swing

This creates a continuous loop: swing → review → adjust → repeat

Note: If you swing again before playback finishes, the app will prioritize capturing your next swing.

Understanding On-Screen Indicators

These frames show the status or your position:

White frame: The app is trying to find you in the frame. Adjust your position until it turns green.
Green frame: You’re properly positioned and ready to swing.
Blue frame: A swing was detected.

Use these indicators to confirm proper setup before swinging.

Reviewing and Saving Swings

Your most recent swing appears in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Tap the replay window to review your last swing
Adjust playback speed (0.5x, 1x, or 2x)
Tap Save to store it in your camera roll

Each new swing replaces the previous one, so be sure to save any swings you want to keep before continuing your practice.

Tips for Best Results

Make sure your full body and club are visible in the frame
Keep your phone stable
Use consistent lighting and avoid heavy shadows
Stand out from your background for better detection

Advanced Swing Analysis (Premium)

Instant Swing Playback is available to every 18Birdies user. Premium includes additional tools to help you analyze your swing in more detail and make more precise adjustments.

See More Detail

High-definition video provides clearer visibility of clubface position, body alignment, and movement throughout your swing

Analyze Your Swing

Use built-in annotationtools to evaluate key mechanics directly on your replay:

Draw lines to check alignment (shoulders, hips, feet)
Visualize your swing plane
Track head position and posture throughout the motion

Annotations stay visible during playback, making it easier to compare positions from setup to follow-through.

To use annotation tools, tap your swing in the bottom-left corner, open the replay, and select the pencil icon in the toolbar to annotate.

Get Additional Feedback

Send swings directly to AI Swing Analyzer for instant feedback
Upload swings to Pro Swing Analysis for a personalized review from a certified coach. This is available to all users, with a discounted rate for Premium members

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Why didn’t my swing get detected?

Make sure your full body and club are visible in the frame and that the frame turns green before you swing. Lighting, shadows, or blending into the background can affect detection.

Why did my swing disappear?

Each new swing replaces the previous one. Your most recent swing is always available in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If you want to keep a swing, make sure to tap Save during or after the replay before hitting your next shot.

Where should I place my phone for the best swing recording?

For the most accurate detection, place your phone about 7–10 feet away. You can set it up Face On (facing your chest) or Down the Line (behind you, looking toward the target). Just ensure your entire body—from the ground to the top of your backswing—is visible on the screen.

Do I need a tripod or special equipment to use Instant Swing Playback?

No special equipment is required. While a tripod can help with stability and angle, you can also use a golf bag, range bucket, or bench to prop up your phone. As long as your phone is stable and your full swing is visible, you’re good to go.

Does Instant Swing Playback work at indoor ranges or into a net?

As long as there is enough light for the camera to see your movement and enough space to fit your full body in the frame, the auto-detection will work. It’s a great way to make practice at home much more productive. You could even use it for shadow swings without a club!

Does this work for putting or short game practice?

Currently, Instant Swing Playback is optimized for half to full swings. It’s perfect for wedges, iron play, woods, and driver sessions. We are focusing on these higher-speed movements to ensure the auto-detection triggers reliably every time.

Can I use Instant Swing Playback while using TrackMan or other range tech?

Yes. You can use Instant Swing Playback at the same time. Keep Instant Swing Playback open on your phone while TrackMan or other range tools run in the background.

Does Instant Swing Playback work on iOS and Android?

Instant Swing Playback is currently available on iOS. Android support is coming soon.