How to Create a Tech Culture

How to Create a Tech Culture Finding room in the budget for new technology is one challenge for coaches. Spending the money wisely is the next challenge. Perhaps the most important challenge to conquer is getting buy-in from players on the new technology. If they’re not using it, it can’t help your team.

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Peoria High (Ill.) head coach Tim Thornton took over a struggling program in a low-income area in 2010 with a plan to update the program’s technology.

Since his hire, he has led the team to a record of 72-35 and one Class 5A championship in 2016. During that time, he has established a tech culture in which players get schedules, motivational messages and workouts on apps. They also have team meetings on video conferencing software.

Thornton laid out some tips to establishing a tech culture. 1. Apply for financial assistance through the district. “Our district allows players to apply for technology — like streaming tablets — if they need it. Some of our coaches are on the delivery team, and we make sure our guys get what they need.” 2. Make sure players are aware of all platforms for apps.

“The cool thing about the Zoom call is most can do it on their cell phones. At least 95 percent of our players have access to a cell — even if it’s not theirs. 3. Don’t allow players to use poor technology as an excuse to fall behind.

“If we get the majority to check in on the weekly Zoom call, we’ll follow up with whoever was missing. Most times, a phone broke or something came up.” 4. Use social media to communicate with and inspire players.

“We’ve got a strength and conditioning coach that’s new with us. I ask him to tweet our workouts and put it on Facebook.” 5. Teach with video. “The strength coach will do a rep of everything so that the players can see it. So, it’s not like we ask them to do a Romanian deadlift, and then we get 15 calls asking what it is. We encourage kids to share videos of them working out. It adds a little accountability.” 6. Use an app that allows the entire team to watch video remotely.

“The plan is to get into more football curriculum. We’re doing install stuff and getting our minds back into it. Just like coaches, it’s what they enjoy.” 7. Find fun ways to interact with players using tech. “I think our assistants are doing a great job of playing Madden with our guys and communicating while they’re playing. That’s keeping relationships alive and letting the kids know they have someone to lean on. From a mental health perspective, we have guys that need a little extra and might not have somebody at home to talk to about how they’re feeling. When we’re playing games and online chatting, we’re able to give them some of that.”

USE A TEACHER APP TO COACH

OXNARD PACIFICA

High (Calif.) coach Mike Moon organized his team on the Remind teacher app last season. He led Oxnard Pacifica to its first Southern Section championship in Division 6 and its first CIF state championship Division 2-A bowl victory. “Year-round, we always use the Remind teacher app,” Moon said. “All of the coaches on staff are teachers. I get a hold of my team the same way I get a hold of my class. We have all of the individual numbers for personal conversations and texts. “We do everything together. I’m of a different school of thought. For us, March and April are about strength and conditioning with less time on film and field work. I’m not saying we don’t do that too. There’s just more emphasis on the weight room, strength training and plyometrics.”