Team Huddle. Two heads, or more, are better than one.
Hudl. Craig Bellamy was the pioneer who started it here years ago. Now Madge McGuire and Anthony Siebold are users. Pioneers.
It's trying new things, even the smallest of things, that puts coaches, teachers, mentors ahead of the pack. In the old days Jack Gibson was hungry to learn new things every day, collecting quotes daily. From anyone, anywhere. Anything that would help him learn something new. A pioneer of thought.
Hudl, a high-tech mobile, desktop, tablet multi-platform app that links everyone on the team to its interactive networked systems. It is used by most NBA, NFL and NHL American teams. Coaches can share specifically selected videos and segments on videos with stats, notes, and player or team specific materials.
Hudl is not just clever sporting technology. It puts the onus on players, both individually and collectively as part of the team, to use their mind - more than what they may have in the past. Beyond traditional training hours.
Billy Slater was a great not just because he trained his body. He trained his mind too. He used to watch hours of specific Hudl videos, stats and notes - every day. For years. Passion. Desire. Quality practice. Discipline. Courage.
In view of this innovative spirit, it will be intriguing to see how the Broncos and Tigers respond to their new coaches, Siebold and Madge respectively, that have introduced newer ways of coaching.
Madge McGuire, probably has a tougher task ahead without the Origin and Test players that litter Siebold's Broncos, but he's already getting rave reviews. Josh Reynolds says this is the first time he's been mentored to undertand how to create space and opportunities. Elijah Taylor is another who has been outspoken at the marked difference of being mentored by a premiership coach. McGuire himself appears to have reflected on his intense ways that caused rumoured player burnout at Souths post-premiership glory.
This is a lesson for us too. For me too, in my real roles as a boss, teacher, mentor, and father these minds inspire me.
It is my hope that behind the scenes we are or will be also experimenting - if not with Hudl - or with technology, with new ways of thinking, coaching and other innovative ideas, perhaps even some not yet thought of.
Source: The Hudl-ers
Replies
Dr Wong, LOL. Too true. I was a big Kenny Edwards fan. One of the funniest moments was him super-huddling, hyper-hugging, the opposition when we scored a try and bringing them into our huddling-hugging group. Mind you, he actually was a very talented aggressive footballer as well as entertainer. It's a pity we didn't see Kenny reach his full potential with us, because he crossed too many lines. I think he had a lot more to offer.
TAD, well said. I agree. And also thank you for your kind words. Methods change, the game and players evolve, yet some of the principles of coaching haven't fundamentally changed. Say, improving players, creating a united champion team, that is improving and being the best they can be and that also involves the coach improving; learning new tricks and evolving. To be the best coach, player or team, I think the learning can never stop.
TAD, I'm liking your definition.
"Create and defend space."
Mastering space and movement.
As an aside: It's kind of ironic, when you think about it. The entire solid world we live in, see, touch, eat, smell, drink, all form and light, and all of existence, is 99% space. And all remaining moelcules and stuff is always moving. Even when frozen. Never static. It reminds me of that Jack Gibson saying if you're "standing still" you're losing, or words to those effect.
Btw, which football/soccer team do you follow? Because of my admiration for Pep I want City to win the Premier League, but bloody Liverpool are on top for now, with City 2nd.