Top 15 Advancements in Football Products & Services
Having the right equipment and tools makes your job of coaching more effective and efficient.
by: Keith Roerdink©
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Digital Editing Systems - Arguably the greatest advancement (in any sport) in the areas of scouting and teaching aids, digital editing systems give teams an unprecedented advantage in obtaining and presenting detailed information. The best part – the last several years has seen a drop in pricing.
Artificial Turf - The one thing coaches preach to their players is the one thing that today’s grass-like artificial turf provides – consistency. Unlike natural grass, good, quality grass-like artificial turf won’t freeze, get muddy or harden during droughts – it’s a consistent playing surface.
Helmets & Protective Equipment - Helmets, shoulder pads and other protective equipment have advanced due to new technologies and materials. Today’s protective equipment is lighter, stronger and designed for specific positions.
Head Sets - The unemployment line got a little longer several years ago when head set manufacturers developed wireless head set systems. Coaches now do not have the need for a person following them up and down the sidelines managing their head set wires. The new wireless systems are secure, ensuring your conversations stay private on game day.
Single Sided Power Station - What can be better than saving time and money? The introduction of the single sided power station allowed athletes to do virtually every major exercise with this one piece of equipment – saving you time and money.
Sports Medicine / Preventative Equipment - Not to be confused with protective equipment, sports medicine manufacturers have launched new lines of preventative equipment – such as braces – designed to prevent injuries.
Sports Drinks - Two topics most coaches are concerned with are performance and safety. Advancements in sports drinks have aided in athletes competing at a high performance level while combating dehydration issues.
Scouting Software - Coaching is now in an information age and there is no better tool in collecting and analyzing football information than today’s scouting software. Want to know what play your opponent runs 87% of the time on 3rd and long in the red-zone while on the right hash mark? You get the picture. Don’t forget about using this type of software for self-scouting as well.
End Zone Camera Systems - Sometimes getting the best angle to film practices or games can be the biggest concern when filming. However, with the introduction of end zone camera systems, coaches now have the ability to get the best filming angles (such as the end zone view) and elevation for watching film. One of the best advantages to this new type of camera system is that it is safe – no more filming from unsafe heights on scissor-lifts or unstable media box roofs.
Play Diagramming Software - A coach’s abilities to effectively communicate and teach are often times what separates prepared athletes from the unprepared. Play diagramming software is one of the best tools coaches can use to teach the X’s & O’s and manage his ever-changing playbook.
Internet Video Exchange - With all of the advancement that technology has provided the coaching profession, this could be the next big computer-related coaching tool. Currently, most coaches are exchanging game film with teams for scouting purposes. To do this they must duplicate game film on VHS or DVD and then exchange through the mail. With the advent of Internet video exchange teams (even conferences) are now able to trade game film over the Internet – in minutes, rather than days.
Blocking Sleds/Dummies - Options, options and more options. When it comes to blocking sleds and dummies, manufacturers are giving coaches more options. Today coaches can choose from traditional one-, two- and seven-man blocking sleds or they can also now get sleds and dummies designed specifically for the offensive line, defensive line or even wide receivers.
Cleats - Gone are the ‘one shoe fits all positions’ philosophy of shoe manufacturers. Today’s football cleats are often designed for specific positions based on speed, support and durability. The biggest change in cleats? Weight. Manufacturers are building lightweight cleats so not to slow your team down.
Uniforms & Apparel - If you can dream it, there probably is a uniform manufacturer who can make it. The biggest change in uniforms and apparel are in the advancements of the materials used – moisture management technology.
Recruiting Software - If a major part of your responsibilities are recruiting, then you know why recruiting software made this year’s list. Recruiting software has three primary benefits: 1. It saves you time – lots of time. You no longer have to track all of your recruits and contacts on paper or using a make shift general office database; 2. It’s programmed to help you not violate recruiting rules; and, 3. It helps recruiters be more effective. With this type of software, you’ll have all of the recruits’ information either on your lap-top or in your palm organizer.
Digital Download - 304 Pages of Football Forms for the Winning Coach
