Technology can play a pivotal role in improving the performance of sports teams across a number of codes. Technology enable coaches to give visual feedback on a team’s performance which in turn results in quicker learning by players. 

GamePlan and Sports Code are technologies that I’ve been using in my coaching. GamePlan enables the coach to visually break down previous games (which are captured in video format) and highlight areas of improvement to players via live chat, drawing onto the video, and notes. The app is useful for game planning, measuring attrition, nutrition, and motivation. It’s like a one-stop shop for a team – players, coaches, nutritionists and sports psychologists all have access to the app, making it a highly collaborative tool and I feel that it could made a real difference for a team’s performance. 

This one-stop shop approach is very important for teams that are not not all based in the same city, as meeting up in person can sometimes be a challenge. 

Sports Code is software that allows the coach to analyse performance which is captured in video format. The videos can be grouped together and shared with players and other members of the team - leading to overall enhanced performance. The pro version of the software has similar functionality to GamePlan allowing collaboration across the team. 

The Waikato Chiefs and many other teams are also using technology in their coaching, and the common feedback is that the technology has enabled quicker learning for players, with a more collaborative approach to team management. I’m passionate about the use of technology to enhance learning, and it’s an approach that works particularly well for coaches across all codes. 

I am using Sports Code in this image (the code window) to review the Highlanders tackle area and assess the post-tackle role effectiveness. The code window allows instances within the game to grouped, viewed and assessed in isolation, that means I can play back areas of concern, group them together if they occur regularly and address the individual problems with the players or team if need be. Additionally you can select and make groups of footage, this could be used e.g. to highlight the ability of the loose forward trio at the break down, or if you were wondering why your lineout has issues you are able to group all lineouts and then perform an analysis on them together.