The national teams of New Zealand Football have benefited greatly from performance analysis technology in recent years, and other coaches and teams throughout the country are now being encouraged to follow suit.
 
The governing body has an ongoing relationship with software provider Hudl, a market leader that’s changing the way coaches and athletes prepare for and stay ahead of the competition.
 
The All Whites and Football Ferns support staff make extensive use of the range of Hudl products to analyse video footage in minute detail, as do all the age-group and national futsal teams. The aim is to increase the understanding of their own play and identify ways to take advantage of the opposition, allowing coaches to approach each game in the most professional manner possible.
 
“Since NZF has adopted the Hudl products, we have seen a significant shift in a number of coaches around the country analysing their games and opposition,” says Dwayne Woolliams, New Zealand Football High Performance Manager. 

“Over the years, the software and equipment required have become more accessible to all levels of coaching. No longer does it take a considerable financial outlay to get started, and now you do not even need high-end cameras – you can stand on the sideline or even better from the bleachers and shoot with an iPad,” he adds. 
 
“These tools are valuable for coaches and players. We cannot recommend them more highly and challenge coaches to use these tools as a means of improving coach and team performances.”

Gary Connell, Head of Performance Analysis for New Zealand Football, works with the products on a daily basis and says they are central to excelling in his role.
 
“We have used Hudl products at New Zealand Football for over 10 years,” he says.
 
“They are extremely reliable, easy-to-use and constantly developing. It is an essential tool for the technical staff for all of our national teams, from day-to-day work to World Cups and Olympic Games. We would recommend Hudl for anyone wanting to increase the level of their performance analysis.” 
 
Simon Mead, Hudl’s New Zealand Account Manager, says the company is excited to continue its relationship with New Zealand Football and to be part of the sport’s future at all levels throughout the country.
 
“This relationship will ensure New Zealand’s representative teams have access to the same tools used by all the top teams and leagues around the world,” Mead says.
 
“We want to help grow and develop the game here in New Zealand and this starts with changing the myth that video analysis is only for the professionals. We are seeing more and more coaches recognise the importance of reviewing video at an amateur and grassroots level,” he adds.
 
“We know the importance of video as a learning tool and want to provide more opportunities for coaches around the country to get access to these tools. With a number of federations, clubs and schools already utilising Hudl’s tools, we look forward to working with New Zealand Football on creating an aligned approach to video as a development tool for players, coaches, referees and teams.”
 
For more information on Hudl, please visit their website