What Coaches Are Saying About Wearables
While the potential benefits of wearable devices are exciting, many coaches are unsure about how this will play out. Coaches from Texas schools have shared their concerns and curiosities about the impact of wearable technology in games.
“I’m all for new technology, I don’t see right now how this is going to speed up the game,” one coach commented. “Our games are already fast-paced in Texas, and I’m not sure how adding wearables will make a huge difference. I guess we’ll see.”
Another coach expressed: “I’m not exactly sure if/how we’ll utilize wearables this season. But I do like the concept and not having to worry about sign stealing will be huge. We’ll probably try it in practice first and see how it goes.”
These insights reflect a common sentiment among coaches: while the idea of using wearables is appealing, the practicality of implementing it in such a fast-moving sport is still a bit unclear.
Starting Small: Simple, Practical Ways to Test the New Rule
For teams that want to experiment with wearables without breaking the bank or overhauling their entire system, starting small is a great option. The key is to begin with a manageable test that doesn’t overwhelm coaches or players. Instead of trying to integrate wearables across the entire team, consider starting with just the QB or the Mike. These positions play pivotal roles in the game and can serve as ideal candidates for testing out the technology.
By implementing wearables in just one or two key positions, coaches can assess how well the technology works in the real-world context of a high-speed game, without committing to a large-scale rollout right away.
The Headset App’s Play Call Menu: A Simple Solution
When it comes to testing out wearables, The Headset App could be a simple and cost-effective solution for teams. The company’s new Play Call Menu releasing Fall of 2025, allows coaches to send plays directly to players’ own smartwatches—whether they’re using Apple or Android watches. This means that coaches can quickly communicate with their quarterbacks, linebackers, or other key players without needing to rely on cumbersome hardware or complex systems.
The Play Call Menu is designed for ease of use, making it a perfect tool for teams looking to implement wearables on a budget. Players can easily receive plays on their own devices that are connected to their phones on the sideline.
Protecting Wearables on the Field: Swiftband
When it comes to keeping your own smartwatches safe and secure during a game, protection is key. Swiftband is a great (and affordable) band that offers an excellent solution to keep wearables safe. Their protective bands are designed to fit securely around smartwatches, ensuring that the device stays in place and remains protected, even through tough tackles or physical contact.
By using your wearable smartwatches combined with Swiftband’s protective bands, teams can confidently experiment with new technology without worrying about the safety of their devices.
Conclusion
The UIL’s approval of wearables for the 2025 season opens up exciting new possibilities for Texas high school football teams. However, many coaches are still unsure about how to best utilize this technology in a game that already moves at a fast pace. The key to success will be starting small, testing the technology with key players, and using simple, practical tools like The Headset App’s Play Call Menu (coming 2025).
By integrating wearables gradually and ensuring their protection, teams can explore the benefits of this new rule without overwhelming their systems or budgets. As the season progresses, coaches will no doubt discover innovative ways to incorporate wearables, helping to improve communication, coordination, and performance on the field.
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