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T E C H N O L O G Y
When it comes to technology and its uses in creating
an elite-level basketball program, no team takes
advantage of this emerging field better than Virginia
Tech. Very few, if any, teams use these technologies
in the way that the Hokies do.
New this season, the Hokies have begun using
iPads. The iPads let the players to watch film
provided by the staff wherever and whenever they
want. This new use of iPads allows the players to be
coached by technology.
The team also uses Team Synced, an app for the
players’ mobile devices. This app allows for a myriad
of different uses, including sending video clips,
checking on class work, sending updated daily
schedules and allowing for instant communications
between the staff and the student-athletes.
The men’s basketball staff integrates state-of-the-art
hardware and software to instruct, inform and improve
the on- and off-court performance of the players. This
new, progressive technology enhances the day-to-
day life of the team by producing metrics that help
the staff better prepare for upcoming contests.
The program uses Mac-based software to assist
the coaching staff in providing the players with up-
to-the-minute instructional tools. The student-athlete
is linked into the system, along with every member
of the staff, to provide instantaneous instruction,
empowerment and critiques. Among the software
packages utilized are SportsTec, Synergy, StatsPass,
Fast Draw and Final Cut Pro.
The hardware includes two high-definition cameras in
the Hahn Hurst practice gym that allow filming from
all angles with great clarity. This better helps in the
tracking of player movements in the implementation
of these software packages and gives the opportunity
to turn ideas into video.
SportsTec is a high-end package that allows for
the coaching staff to clip games and generate
scouting reports. It provides visuals from both games
and practices that help breakdown opponents’
tendencies and allow for better instruction of Hokie
players. SportsTec allows metrics to be turned into
visuals for instruction.
Synergy is an analytical-based program that allows
for better scouting of all opponents, putting all their
contests just a click away on various platforms.
StatsPass is like a box score on steroids. It takes all
the numbers in a regular box score and further breaks
them down into specific details.
Fast Draw is a technology that turns the concept of
plays into visuals, allowing for better understanding in
the teaching and learning process.
Final Cut Pro is a video editing software that allows
the staff to quickly and professionally create highlight
videos, motivational clips and opponent highlights for
use in a wide variety of areas and platforms.
With the updating and rebranding in the Hahn
Hurst Practice Center, new video boards have been
installed, that, along with much of this technology,
will allow coaches to stop a practice, have the team
gather around the screen and be instantaneously
instructed on specific points.
The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team and staff
have use of all of these cutting-edge technologies
on multiple devices: be it laptops, tablets or even
cell phones. This allows for almost instantaneous
instruction and feedback following practices and
contests.
@VT_MBBall
@vthokiembb
VTMBBALL
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