How to Analyze Basketball Using Video Analysis
Learn how to break down basketball film like a pro. Use video analysis to improve team performance, with tools like Hudl Assist and Hudl Focus Indoor.
The 5-Step Process to Break Down Basketball Film
You don’t need fancy software or hours of staff time to run a great film review process. You just need a clear structure, good habits and the right tools to support you.
Capture the Game from a Consistent Angle
This is the crux, the most crucial component. If you don’t have good quality video, then reviews are going to be painful, not painless. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best footage possible:
DO:
Use a mounted camera like Hudl Focus Indoor to automatically record and upload games. Take all the guesswork out of filming and leave it to the smart camera to capture every moment of the action.
DON’T:
Try to make a handheld camera or phone work as your recording device—angle and stability matter. Why bother with a cameraperson when you can use an automatic camera like Focus Indoor? All it takes is one distraction and your handheld camera is suddenly staring at the floor during the biggest moment of the game.
Remember: the better the footage, the easier it is to analyze.
Tag Key Events
Basketball games are long, and the moments you want to review most can be hard to find in more than an hour of video. By adding the most important moments as tags on your video in Hudl—like possessions, assists, turnovers, defensive breakdowns, etc.—you’ll save time when it comes to finding those few minutes that matter most to your team, or the few seconds that matter most to an individual player.
If you don’t want to tag manually, Hudl Assist can get all your games tagged for you. You’ll have the team stats you need for review as fast as you need them. Having a Hudl Assist subscription means having access to submit games 24/7, as they’re played. No need to spend your time adding those key events—they’ll be ready for your next review session without you lifting a finger.
Review the Game as a Staff First
This isn’t required, but it’s a very helpful step to take if you have the time. By identifying themes or issues before showing clips to players, you can decide on a game plan for how to make the most of your review session. Look for recurring issues: slow rotations, rushed shots, missed matchups, etc. Then decide how you’ll approach teaching players to fix those issues so you’re ready for next practice.
Build Playlists for Players
The importance of personalizing performance review can’t be overstated. Group clips by player, or choose to focus on a concept (e.g., pick-and-roll defense) or situation (e.g., end-of-quarter). Use playlists to guide film sessions, individual feedback or scouting reports. In short, playlists will ensure your team knows where they need to spend the most time.
Share and Discuss with Your Team
The last step, but certainly not the least important. The best part about your video being online is being able to easily share it with your team, wherever they are. Use Hudl’s tools to send clips directly to players on a secure platform, and take advantage of the options to add comments, drawings or voiceover notes. Your players can start film review from their own homes and you can enjoy having more down time in yours.
With these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to making film review part of your team culture.
Even Small Teams Can Run Elite Film Sessions
You don’t need a full-time analyst to do video analysis well. You just need a smart workflow and the right support. Hudl tools like Assist and Focus make it possible to do what used to take a team in just a few clicks.
The Real-World Difference
Build a Smarter Coaching Workflow with Hudl
Whether you're coaching in the U.S. or abroad, basketball is becoming faster, smarter and more competitive. But great coaching still comes down to teaching—and video is your best classroom.
With Hudl Assist and Focus, you can build a repeatable, efficient film review process that gets your players better—without burning out your staff.