For years, other sports like football, basketball and volleyball were accustomed to filming their games and matches.
But not for fastpitch softball. For a long time, it was difficult to actually capture film. That’s all over. Now, softball coaches and teams have access to the tools they need to film their games and analyze their film during post-game review. This access is a complete game-changer for the sport.
The old saying goes, the eye in the sky doesn’t lie. In layman's terms, this just means that film is the only truly objective way to evaluate player and team performance. With high school sports growing in popularity and competitiveness, film has become a non-negotiable for virtually every program. That now includes softball. And for softball coaches and teams, outdoor cameras are the best way to record softball games.
Now that softball teams can properly capture film and later analyze it, it opens up a number of possibilities for coaches to identify player tendencies and bring lessons to life. For players, film is a valuable tool to improve and as a way to stand out and get noticed at the next level.
Years ago, film was difficult to capture. It required a tripod camera or iPad and parent or volunteer filmer. This inevitably led to errors and inconsistent film, which is hard on both coaches and players. Automated softball camera systems ensure greater precision and convenience, which allows for greater attention to detail with the way softball teams approach video analysis and team preparation.
These new preparation methods include the use of advanced automated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to track the ball, players and field movements with incredible accuracy. By using a fastpitch camera for softball, teams get a static, behind-the-plate view of every moment of the game.
For coaches, the benefits of automated softball camera systems extend far beyond just capturing video. These automated camera systems are seamlessly integrated with popular video analysis platforms like Hudl Assist, which aids coaches in their workflows from start to finish.
When fastpitch cameras automatically upload and process film, coaches can quickly access game footage within minutes of the final out. That means no more time-consuming manual uploads or video conversions. This streamlined process gives coaches what they need to dive into game analysis immediately and identify areas of improvement.
When you start using a softball camera system as part of your coaching routine, you can unlock new methods for player development and overall team performance. Here’s how:
The behind-the-plate angle is a crucial component of an automated softball camera system. Using Focus Point, coaches will have a clear viewpoint of the entire softball field, and be able to see everything that happens during a game.
With access to a behind-the-plate angle perspective, coaches and helpers no longer have to worry about changing camera angles mid-game or throughout practice.
An automated softball camera system like Focus Point integrates with Hudl, meaning you can reap the benefits of both tools simultaneously. This integration also allows for easy film upload, film organization and video analysis workflows. That means now, more than ever, coaches are in the best position to identify areas for improvement, give player feedback and share match insights with their team.
Simply put: Integration allows you to maximize your coaching abilities. The Hudl platform and automated camera system work side-by-side to help you get the most out of coaching your softball team.
Automated softball camera systems are excellent for capturing high-quality video footage, but their true power lies in their ability to help you see the game differently with the advanced analytics and data-driven insights you get from Hudl Assist. AI and machine learning ensure that you get access to the necessary data you need to win.
With access to data like spray charts, hit type and pitch result, coaches can find new and creative ways to put their teams in winning positions. And this data-driven approach not only helps pre-game planning but will allow for in-game adjustments, too.
Fastpitch softball is always evolving, but it’s fair to say softball cams are here to stay. These cameras have changed the way we see the game, and are giving coaches like you the tools they need to be their best.
By embracing this technology and finding the best ways to use it, you’ll become a better coach and your players will improve.
See how the Hudl Focus Point softball camera can take your coaching and player development efforts to new heights.
This camera system will be available soon — fill out the form below to be one of the first to get access.