New Features in HomeField!

By Reece

Guess who rocked their conditioning program over winter break? HomeField, that's WHO. We've been hard at work on some new features and updates to make HomeField run even smoother than it already is (if that's even possible).

Video Tutorials
You can practice all winter, but playing in that first game is always scary. Creating your first HomeField scouting report won't be. We created some video tutorials on how to create a scouting report, so that blank page in front of you is a bit less daunting. You'll see it on the first page of each scouting report you add (and it'll disappear once you get started yourself). We also have a tutorial on how to upload video to your account. We think it's easy, but we wanted to show off anyway. Enjoy the superbly professional narration...

Flashy Scouting Reports
Speaking of scouting reports - you'll notice they've got a sharp new look and improved footwork - a.k.a animations - that help guide your actions quickly on the page. Buttons for new plays or players put on some muscle, and are more clearly presented so you don't waste time looking for how to add a new card, and the cards themselves slide into place as you move from page to page, card to card.

Email Notification of Upload Completion
So you watched the upload tutorial and you know what to expect, but we don't actually expect you to stare at the screen until your video's done uploading, do we? Well, no, we don't - you've got a team to coach! So, go back to your Chalkboard and create a scouting report for the video you're uploading or propose trades to get your hands on more game film - we'll email you when your video is ready! Just check the box and we'll send you an email when your video is finished uploading and converting. Cool, right?

TeamHomeField.com: Ready to Play
Finally, and maybe most importanly - you'll notice that TeamHomeField.com has beefed up for the season. We're out of stealth mode-into the wild-can't fight this feeling anymore and it's time for the world to know! So, TeamHomeField.com will display a bit of our message to the universe until you log in with your usual HomeField username and password in the top right corner. Got a buddy who wants to get on HomeField - you can now send them to TeamHomeField.com and all the info they need is right there. OK... it's a work in progress, but TeamHomeField.com was itching to get off the bench and into the game we call the world wide web. Feel free to cheer him on with an email!


One final note for our users from the Fall Free Trial, don't forget to upgrade your accounts before it's too late.

9 Tips for 2009: Your Guide to Game Prep Enlightenment

By Reece

Happy New Year! Still trying to think of a New Year's resolution? How about being the best prepared team on the field? Sounds good to us, too! Our resolution, is to provide you with the best and simplest solution for handling your game film. That's HomeField. Cool, right?

So without further adieu, here's 9 ways to kick ass with HomeField in 2009. In order of awesomeness, from least to greatest...

9. Save cash money.
Between FedEx costs, printing DVD's, external hard drives, etc. it isn't cheap to access and maintain your game film. HomeField eliminates these costs all at once and we guarantee there's a plan that fits your budget.
8. Save time.
We can't put more hours in a day, but we can give you more days with your video. If you and the coaches with which you exchange film make your trades right after the game - instantly using HomeField - you'll have at least one extra day to scout your next opponent!
7. Simplify your storage.
Mini-DV's, DVD's, external hard-drives - hell, I bet there are a few coaches out there still using VHS. Cut the crap! Upload your video to HomeField and don't worry about it. We'll store it for you, no matter the format, and we won't take up any space in your office.
6. Go green!
Haha... it's all the rage these days, but it's for good reason. Post your scouting reports online and save tons of paper. Mother Earth is happy. You're happy. We're happy you're happy.
5. Get creative.
So far, we've seen some awesome coaching techniques. Whether it's filming your players in individual shooting drills or presenting video game plans, there are a ton of methods you can use as a coach to make your team better. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
4. Stay secure.
If there's no paper scouting report, there's nothing to be left laying around for opponents to see. Likewise for video, no DVD's means nothing to get "lost." Keep your video on HomeField, share it with your team, and no one else.
3. Give your team 24-hour access.
You've done all this work breaking down film, but it's no good if your team can't see it! With HomeField, your players can access their video and scouting reports whenever they've got time, from anywhere. It just takes an internet connection. Simple. Awesome.
2. Know your opponent.
With greater access to opponent film, and a super-easy way to show your team, you can know your opponent inside and out. Know when they want to shoot. Know where they're weak on defense. Know it all, and beat them to every punch.
1. Know yourself.
And perhaps more importantly, with HomeField, you can really get to know yourself. Know your own strengths and weaknesses as a team. Knowing your opponent doesn't matter if your team can't execute. So know your flaws and learn from them. Then, win.

Bonus! HomeField is ready for you. For our current users, you can click here to upgrade now.

Don't have an account yet? Email us and we'll get you set up in a jiffy!

Here's to winning in 2009!