10 Reasons Hudl Is Critical to Your Sports Organization

Technology is continually changing the world of sports, from new ways to store film to in-depth player evaluation. The advancement of sports is linked to the evolution of what technology has to offer. My children ask me, “Dad, what sports did you play? Can we watch you online or do you have a DVD?” My response is, “Well, I’m not online or on a DVD, but we can watch my games on VHS!”

As a coach, you want parents to cherish the memory of their child scoring their first goal in soccer or their first touchdown in football. But sometimes they can’t get their phone out fast enough, or they have more than one child that requires their attention, and they miss the “first” moment of that sport.

And that’s why Hudl is a game-changer.

1. Keeps Parents Connected

As a coach, how many times have you seen disappointment on a player’s face because they look over to the fan section and realize their parent missed their big play? Hudl lets parents watch film as if they were there in the moment.

2. Makes it easy to identify and communicate what athletes need to improve.

A coach can tell a player what they need to work on until they’re blue in the face, but allowing them to actually see what they need to fix stops any miscommunication in its tracks. Coaches can watch practice video and immediately insert notes and tips. A coach can take an athlete to the next level by adding Hudl Technique, which allows the coach and/or athlete to zone in on the details and immediately identify what they’re doing right and wrong.

3. Streamlines video breakdowns. 

How many weekends have been lost due to breaking down video? Hudl streamlines the process. As soon as the game video is uploaded to Hudl, every coach can start breaking it down from the comfort of their own home, making notes for everyone to see. Things get even easier with Hudl Assist, which breaks down your video for you.

4. Stores team video in an easily accessible place.

The fastest way to improve is by evaluating your past. It’s important to know your team’s strengths and weaknesses so you can continue to grow. Having an easy way to store video is vital. I have a box of floppy disks, DVDs and external hard drives filled with hours of film from various teams over the years, but Hudl creates a convenient, online home for all your video.

5. Builds player confidence.

Video allows coaches to identify players’ faults in a safe environment. Over time and with proper instruction, players improve and gain confidence in their abilities. Knowledge is power—and power leads to a confident athlete.

6. Improves coaches' communication.

Hudl allows coaches to upload their notes and comments immediately. It closes not only the communication gap, but also the distance gap. I could upload video to Hudl from the Chicago area and have my coaching staff in Australia view my notes, and add their own, in a matter of minutes.

7. Fills the coaching gap.

Nothing can replace a coach, but when you’re short staffed due to a lack of volunteers or budget cuts, Hudl can help fill the void. It allows you to identify player skill levels and areas that need attention, and streamlines film evaluation. It saves you time and lets you to focus on coaching.

8. Keep all your tools in one place.

For an additional fee your football team can utilize Hudl’s Playbook and Practice Scripts to keep all of your organization’s information in one spot. This shows parents how organized you are.

9. Streamlines film exchange.

If other teams in your conference use Hudl, and your conference allows for film exchange, this will save a lot of time in getting video of your upcoming opponent. When I was a college coach, I would have to travel over two and a half hours to meet at some random gas station on the side of the highway to pick up the opponent’s film. Hudl eliminates those long, frustrating trips.

10. Makes athlete highlights painless.

An athlete can quickly sift through the video, find their best plays, and share with college recruiters. Highlight videos help them get noticed and get their foot in the door.

If you’re on the fence about adding Hudl to your coaching arsenal, please feel free to reach out and ask more detailed questions. I recommend requesting a free demo. Share how Hudl benefits your team or organization through my website or to @Coach_Stone_MT on Twitter with the hashtag #HudlBenefits.

Anthony Stone is a Physical Education teacher in Rockford, IL and Quarterbacks Coach at Boylan High School. He was also the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach for the Women’s Australian National Outback 2017 Team and writes blogs for Firstdown Playbook.

In July 2016, he was named to the Hudl 100 list. He has presented at IAPHERD, the top physical education convention in Illinois, on how to get students moving with his Games Galore presentations. He has also presented at the Chicago Glazier Clinics on quarterbacks & special teams. He was the defensive coordinator for the 2010 U.S. Women’s National Tackle Football Team, winners of the IFAF Women’s World Championship in which Team USA won its three games by a combined score of 201-0. Stone has coached in the CIFL and the IWFL Leagues as well as Beloit College (linebackers/special teams coordinator) and Rockford University (quarterbacks/wide receivers).

Stone has also coached football at the youth, middle school and high school level. He will be putting on fundamental youth football camps around the world in 2017. Please contact him to bring his “Back to the Basics Football Camp” to a city near you.

Follow him on Twitter @Coach_Stone_MT.