By Eric Schwenk
staff writer
Technology has helped shape sports to what they are today, from all the new high tech apparel and support, to advancements in film and replay. One of the most important parts of this new era technology is game film.
Most games of any level can be seen with someone having a video camera in hand. The teams have a designated camera man, where they sit and videotape the game. Not only can awesome highlights be seen, people can really improve on their teams’ play and use it to get better for the next games.
Game film is a coach’s best friend during the season. They can use it to critique and correct the wrong doings of a play or player. Jason Watkins, the DHS football coach loves game film for various different reasons.
“It’s a great teaching tool for both us as coaches and the kids. Not only can we see highlights, we can see the positive and negatives of every play,” Watkins said.
In football, film is used in practices and for games. Players watch hours of film during the week so they know what to expect from the other teams.
DHS senior Conner Bruns appreciates the time spent in the film room.
“I love watching game film because I have the chance to see what my opponent’s tendencies are and use that to my advantage,” Bruns said.
Game film is becoming more prevalent in other sports as well.
“We never used to watch film until last year and it really has helped better our team,” DHS senior James Ferritto said about his soccer team.
Not only is it useful on the field, it can be a great asset off it. Many players use the game film to help better their chances of playing at the collegiate level. They do this by editing a tape to make one fully of highlights then send it to schools that they are interested in, in hopes of getting responses.
DHS senior Garrett Kidd used this process to get his name out there.
“Colleges love to see what you can do. This is a true way to show that you can play instead of writing down some physical testing scores which everyone can do,” Kidd said.
With social media the way it is today, getting these videos out there can be fast and easy.
DHS defensive coordinator and former Northwood University quarterbacks coach Phil Leigeb uses these tapes to evaluate certain characteristics in potential recruits.
“The main thing we look for as a coach or recruiter is if the player is able to make plays consistently. Another key factor is the passion they have for the sport,” Leigeb said.
Without game film, sports would not be where it is today. Teams would not be able to improve and colleges wouldn’t be able to see the full potential of athletes.
