Modern technology is changing the way coaches and their staffs interact with each other and players. Gone are the days of lugging around phonebook-size playbooks and stacks of DVDs that lead to a lack of accessibility. Modern coaches can now easily organize themselves and their teams to learn and study the game anytime, anywhere. Whether on the field or on the road, technology brings it all together and enables 24/7 access to critical information at the push of a button.

Mobile apps, in particular, that are used on devices such as the Microsoft Surface and the Ipad have completely transformed life on the field, adding new dimensions to training and coaching.

One of the more popular apps, Hudl, is an example of this technology. Hudl is a sports video software and mobile app designed for coaches, athletes and recruiters. It can be used for a variety of sports, but it really shines in football because it allows the user to watch game film on any digital device. This completely eliminates the traditional playbook classroom as it allows players and coaches digital access anywhere, which streamlines efficiency and usability.

This app also has additional benefits such as editing film as needed, adding notes to game clips to share key information, creating custom reports on opponents and a guide to a player’s strengths and weaknesses. This software also allows for teams to show off clips and highlights of great plays to anyone, which promotes team building and appreciation of players and can also be a smart marketing tool as well.

Another mobile app, Coachnote, is an interactive whiteboard that allows coaches to create their own plays, strategies and tactics then share them with players and staff. This app allows for creativity and organization as it can trace ball movement and players on the field through the use of numbers and colors assigned by the user.

Then there is, Ubersense, a mobile app developed by the makers of Hudl that allows the user to record players movements for coaching feedback. The user can record players’ moves in HD during games or on the practice field then review their movements in slow motion using drawings, comparisons and voice overs. The app also allows users to manage their videos by name and technique. Athletes can use this app as part of their marketing strategy by sharing their videos with coaches and recruiters as well as other athletes to grow their fan base.

There are hundreds of mobile apps that can do everything from monitoring game stats to using analytics to checking the health of players, and because of the incredible utility of these mobile apps, sports leagues from the professional level to pee wees have begun to embrace this new and innovative technology.

With new apps popping up almost daily, you’re sure to find one that will help you, your staff and players stay ahead through user friendly technology. Coaches looking to modernize styles and solutions should take a look at some of these amazing apps and see which ones can best serve their teams.

Peter Macias is a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers special events and gameday operations staff and a member of the NFL Alumni Association. He is an NFL Ambassador and a USA Football certified youth coach who writes about technology and sports. Connect Peter on twitter and on LinkedIn.