Jennifer Lewis, right, films varsity football practice at Central High School in Harrison. Many schools across the region have begun to film their football practices as a way for coaches and players to learn by watching plays from a different perspective.Chad Barger has videotaped football practice since he took over as the Sequatchie County coach five years ago.
He’s part of a growing trend in which high school film work no longer is limited to reviewing upcoming opponents or grading the previous week’s effort.
Of 22 area coaches who responded to a survey, 19 shoot video of their practices.
“Yes, we film – Monday through Wednesday. It is a very important part of our preparation,” said Hal Lamb, whose Calhoun team won Georgia’s Class AA state title last year.
Practice video has become more important this year than any other for Barger and his staff. They have only five seniors and four juniors who play a lot. Of the 66 players on the roster, 42 are freshmen and sophomores, and about a dozen of those play substantially.