Using 3D data and visualization
Onform 3D is a powerful way to visualize a golf swing and obtain objective data for key body metrics. We've worked to deliver a reliable solution that does not require an internet connection, takes around 10 seconds to compute on an iPhone 16 Pro and provides comparable data to much more expensive systems traditionally only available in a lab or indoor studio. 3D data is only available to coaches at this time, thus students/golfers will be able to visualize the 3D skeleton but won't have access to the data.
Using the feature is simple, record a full swing from the face-on angle of a golfer, with the body of the golfer fully in the view at 120 or 240fps. You can hold the camera, or put it on a tripod for improved results, and you can use our multicam system (a primary iOS camera connected to an aux iOS camera) as well. You'll need our Onform app running on iOS 18 or newer and ideally an iPhone 14 Pro or newer and make sure the golfer is at least 50% as tall as the recording window, in other words, that the golfer isn't too far away.
Like all tools, using it properly takes a little care to ensure reliable and consistent results. These suggestions apply to regular "2D" video recording as well:
- Angles matter. You must capture a face-on video of the golfer taking a full swing using 120fps recording rate. Take care to position your camera at a 90 degree angle from the user approximately hip height. See our blog post on recording best practices for how to do a proper recording. You can import existing swings as long as they meet the same criteria. It's difficult to ascertain the recording angle of imported video, so please be cognizant that data calculation is sensitive to recording angle.
- We recommend using the Onform app to do your recording. While it can work with imported video, results may not be consistent. You'll need to record at 120fps or higher, and we suggest using our shutter speed tools to capture the best stop-motion video with the least amount of motion blur.
- Our model is trained to work best with a full golf swing. While it is very flexible, it has limitations and constraints. See our model card for technical details on how it was created and key details.
- In a multicam recording, the face-on angle will be used for all metrics calculations and supplemented with thrust data from the down the line camera.
- You should have decent lighting on your subject. Again, we've built-in very adaptable AI engine that works in many lighting conditions, but ample "good" light is suggested for best results.
- Try to limit people appearing the background of the recorded video. Understandably, it's sometimes impossible to avoid especially on an outdoor driving range. If possible, make sure the people that are in the background are a signficant distance away so that the subject golfer appears much larger than the background people. We've added filtering to focus on the largest subject in frame, but as with the other suggestions, it's best to have no other person in frame if it can be avoided.
Body Metrics
Understanding the 12 different body metrics available for 3D is critical for getting the most out of this amazingly powerful set of tools. In addition to our model card, which provides more details on each metric and the key use cases, applicability, capability and accuracy of our model, the terms below are defined to provide better understanding of exactly what is being measured:
1. Torso Turn Axial rotation of the upper trunk about the upper spine axis defined by the line between mid spine and neck joints.
2. Torso Forward Bend Rotation of the upper trunk about the lateral axis, relative to vertical in the sagittal plane.
3. Torso Side Bend Rotation of the upper trunk about the longitudinal axis, relative to vertical in the frontal plane.
4. Pelvis Turn Axial rotation of the pelvis about the lower spine axis, defined by the line between mid pelvis and mid spine.
5. Torso Sway Lateral (target-to-away) translation of the torso center in the frontal plane, relative to address position.
6. Torso Thrust Anterior–posterior translation of the torso center in the sagittal plane, relative to address position.
7. Torso Lift Vertical displacement of the torso center, relative to address position.
8. Pelvis Sway Lateral (target-to-away) translation of the pelvis center in the frontal plane, relative to address position.
9. Pelvis Thrust Anterior–posterior translation of the pelvis center in the sagittal plane, relative to address position.
10. Pelvis Lift Vertical displacement of the pelvis center, relative to address position.
11. X-Factor The difference in the axial rotational angles between the torso and pelvis, representing coil at the top of the backswing.
12. Swing Tempo The ratio of backswing time to downswing time, defined as backswing duration divided by downswing duration.
Below is a reference guide for the terms used in the above descriptions.
Customizing Body Metrics:
After calculating 3D data by selecting the 3D angle in the camera view, the user is presented with the data tiles for each metric at the bottom of the video player. Tapping on the metrics brings up a panel to manage which metrics are visible. You can also long press on a data tile and drag it to change the order that the metrics are displayed. In addition, the golfer's height and units for translational metrics like sway can also be selected. Note that the metrics are only displayed only for coaches at this time.
If you would prefer not to show the metrics at all, tap the 'Layout' button in the lower right corner of the video. Students / clients will not have access to computing the metrics and will only see them if you include metrics in a shared voiceover recording.
Check our 3D FAQs for more information