Summertime is for getting better.  

We want our athletes in the weight room getting stronger and faster. As coaches, we are trying to get better by going to clinics, visiting other coaches and studying film.

But just watching isn’t enough. Film can be a powerful summer tool to improve your program if you utilize it properly. Here are three things you can do with film this summer to be ready for the season:

Building your playbook.  Playbooks have evolved greatly even from just a few years ago.  Everything can be done digitally and with film.  For example, Hudl has a playbook section, and there are several smart playbook tools on the market. Hudl's tool allows you to draw up any/all of your formations and play. Additionally, you can attach clips of these plays to show the players not only the X’s and O’s version but what the play looks like in a real game. Players have much more technology at their fingertips and this can play right into that, allowing you to share the installs directly with them through a medium (video) that they are likely very comfortable with.

Clinic film.  The offseason usually has coaches traveling and visiting other coaches at clinics or on college campuses. We gather all kinds of information to try to improve.  There is an old saying that says you’re not going to get what you don’t ask for. While you're meeting with other coaches, ask the coach if they can send you clips of their drills. Most will be glad to help. Then you can share them with you players, and they can use the drills throughout the summer as they train for the season. This tiess back into using film in your playbook. Players can watch the drills right on their phone and implement them into a captain's-type practice Alternatively, you can send them the drill you want to do in the next practice and it will save some time in teaching it the next day.  

Film 7 on 7.  A lot of teams participate in some sort of 7 on 7 league or competition. Film the sessions and make notes for the players to see how we are doing.  This will allow you to fix some of the things that will come up during the season before it actually starts. The eye in the sky doesn’t lie. Film will show you and your players if the correct routes are being run. It also will show if the receivers are coming off the ball hard enough and finishing routes. Lastly, 7on7 film is not perfect, but it is an additional data point for evaluations that you can share with the players. 

The digital age we live in can be great for coaches. Be thankful we have the extra tools so easily available to help our teams out. Get organized and make a blueprint on how using film this summer will kickstart your season into high gear. Go watch some film and get ready for the season!

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