Whether you’re a player’s coach, a stat nerd or an obsessive planner, video can help you achieve your goals.

At their core, all coaches have an overarching philosophy that dictates their actions and how they lead their teams.

While no two coaches are exactly alike, the job tends to create groups that share certain characteristics. Some are disciplinarians who run a tight ship. Others employ a more player-friendly approach that’s open to feedback from athletes and assistants.

Regardless of style, all coaches can be aided by video analysis and data. Video is the great connector that aligns all parts of a program. It secures buy-in with everyone involved and keeps them moving in the same direction. We’ve selected a few coach personas to drive this point home. Select which style suits you, or check them all out.

The Planner

The Planner values having everything in order above all else. Every minute of practice is carefully planned and the schedule is followed religiously. You ensure you’re maximizing every moment you get with athletes, and create detailed scouting reports on opposing teams.

How Video Helps

1. Practice time may be limited, but video gives players a chance to learn on their own. Teach your athletes how to effectively watch video outside of practice and send them playlists of clips to review.

  • Make comments and drawings to increase their understanding. The more specific you are, the more impactful your direction will be.
  • Track how long each athlete is watching video. Create benchmarks for how much each player should watch and reward those who go above and beyond.

2. Submit opponent games to Hudl Assist to receive detailed breakdowns. With every stat matched to video, you can quickly filter through the data to find key plays. Use the time you save to scout additional games.

3. Encourage teamwork by shining a spotlight on plays that feature a nice pass or a perfect assist.

4. Use Hudl’s messaging tool to stay in sync with your assistants and players.

The Data Fiend

There aren’t enough statistics in the world to satisfy your cravings. You pour over the numbers after each game, looking for what’s working or areas for improvement. Because memories can be subjective, you trust data to bring the truth back into the fold.

How Video Helps

1. The numbers become even more powerful when linked to video. If you’re frustrated by your team’s turnovers, simply click that stat to populate all the miscues from a game, season or situation. Watching these videos through your reports saves time and helps explain what’s going wrong in those instances.

  • Hudl Assist can deliver this information to you, giving you more time for deep dives into breakdowns.

2. Identify your most effective lineups. Some groups of athletes are more effective together. This could impact lineup decisions in certain situations.

3. Sort through scout video quicker.

  • Rather than watch an entire game, you can use data filters to jump to specific moments. You’ll be able to scout more and get a better read on the opposition.

The Empowerer

Happy athletes tend to accept their role, perform better and are far less likely to transfer. The Empowerer realizes the importance of keeping players engaged and satisfied. You’re not a pushover by any means, but you look for ways to empower your players and win their trust.

How Video Helps

1. Source players for input. Your athletes have a unique perspective on the game that you simply can’t get from the sidelines. Listen to their opinions and take the time to consider them.

  • This creates trust between player and coach and makes the athlete feel valued and heard. They now have recognized a platform to lead their peers.

2. Highlight positive performances.

  • Use video sessions to call out good plays. Athletes get an extra boost of confidence when praised in front of their peers.

3. Use social media to shine the spotlight on your players and team.

  • Create highlight videos that proclaim both team and individual success.
  • Share athlete successes such as scholarship offers or awards on Twitter or other social media sites.

The Developer

Winning is obviously important, but the Developer truly cares about helping players grow and earn college scholarships. Consider Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, who in 2015 famously stated he prioritized getting his players to the NBA over winning a national championship. You have a contact list filled with college connections and understand the more your players get recruited, the better your program looks to additional top talent.

How Video Helps

1. Conduct one-on-one meetings with players, or send them individualized playlists, to encourage strong play and point out things that needs to improve.

2. Create highlight videos that attract the attention of college coaches and make them want to see more. Video has completely changed the recruiting game. Coaches no longer have to travel to games and tournaments. Much of the evaluation process is conducted from the comfort of an office.

  • Use Hudl Assist to quickly filter through your athletes’ best plays and create highlights in seconds.

3. Empower your players to have leadership roles. Teach your captains how to run a video session, then let them instruct their teammates.

Video is the key to winning regardless of your coaching style. Download our free eBook to get your program aligned.