Seeing how this is a technology course, I figure I should incorporate technology into coaching basketball somehow. It was surprisingly easier than I thought it was going to be… it appears I am not the innovator of basketball training apps. This blog post is about a specific iPhone app that will help coaches and players train more efficiently and definitely in the sport of basketball. The app I will be reviewing is HomeCourt, a basketball shot analysis, training and drills app that helps players and coaches evaluate and track players’ mechanics and develop consistent and strong habits.

The HomeCourt’ shooting component tracks your basketball shots and gives you information on how many shots were attempted, how many were made and where the shots were attempted/made on the court. If you pay for the extra monthly subscription, you can access your personalized Shot Science analysis, which looks at shot release angles, release time, leg angle, speed, vertical, and shot type. This customized coaching tool could be useful to an athlete who wants to improve their shooting game. All you need is a hoop (lined indoor or outdoor court seem to work best), basketball, a tripod (there is a way around this if you don’t have one), your phone, and your’ game.’ Once you are finished with your session, you can stop recording and see your results. The app then creates a couple charts with the number of shots attempted and the number of shots made, and where the shots were attempted/made (red dots for makes and crosses are attempts).

HomeCourt also derives other statistics such as overall accuracy, distribution of range of shots (In-the-paint, mid-range or 3-point), and streaks, “He’s Heating Up! He’s on Fire!” (a little Super Nintendo NBA Jam reference). You can also replay all your shots and see how you performed for each shot, including the ability to slow-mo replay or a zoomed-in of each shot if you want to analyze your technique.

The HomeCourt app has several other different components that can be utilized to keep players immersed in basketball and develop both their individual skills and team building. It has fun and interactive workouts that feel more like a video game than training exercises. It has engaging drills led by NBA and WNBA players for any skill level and experience to help players’ dribbling, footwork or shooting. And lastly, HomeCourt has a Virtual Team so players and coaches can keep connected by taking practice home and create team or individual competition and challenges.

Even though a membership costs $2 per month per player, HomeCourt seems like a good deal. It would be a great way to keep a team connected right now during COVID-19. The next team I coach, I will throw this idea out there and get everyone’s impression of using such an app to create comradery and structure. Overall I give HomeCourt a 9/10 (I’ve always wanted to write something like that in a blog).

Website: https://www.homecourt.ai/