Michigan Football Is Putting Their Playbook Directly On Player’s Arms During Practice With GoRout Technology
Image via GoRout
If you manage to catch a glance at one of Michigan’s football practice sessions this pre-season, don’t be startled. At first it may seem like the players are carrying their iPhones around at training, regularly checking for text messages or snapchats. Well don’t be alarmed; it’s not at all what it seems, in fact, far from it.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan is currently considering taking on a form of technology that will assist with combating the cutbacks of practice time and can implement a much smoother and practical flow to any practice session.
The GoRout system acts as a digital huddle and playbook that players attach to their arms during practice. The device itself resembles a smartphone, protected by a padded belt that absorbs shock and repels dust, water and sweat. The display on the device is military-grade; making it surprisingly durable considering the heavy-hitting environment it’s in.
It’s been reported that officials from GoRout visited Ann Arbor to meet with the Michigan coaching staff for their second meeting regarding using the devices in their practice environment.
Image via GoRout
“Every college football program in the country has certain bottlenecks when it comes to practice,” GoRout.com CEO Mike Rolih told the Free Press. “When you’re Michigan and you’re getting ready to play Ohio State and they’re spreading you out and going to run some tempo, how do you replicate that effectively while still getting your reps in practice? With our system, you can. Instead of organizing, the guys don’t have to come back to the huddle; everybody’s got a display on.”
While the system will obviously benefit the general newcomers to Michigan’s football program, it can also have an impact throughout the season. In addition to acting as a playbook, the GoRout system will also be able to assist the scout team, allowing them to quickly learn and execute the plays necessary to mimic an upcoming team.
GoRout can be used with a few quick and easy steps. First, upload the playbook into GoRout’s playmaking software; then, create call scripts using Practice Blocks; next, send a play to all players wearing the On-field Display; and watch the players execute the play. For coaches, it means a reduction in practice scripting time, easy organization or elimination of scout teams, and quick changes to fronts and formations on the practice field. For players, it means mental reps before each play and the fastest way to learn assignments and job roles.
If Michigan decides to partner up with GoRout, it could see the beginning of an outbreak into not only college football, but also the NFL itself. The GoRout system is not yet permitted in games but there is absolutely no reason why this ‘digital playbook’ can’t make a splash in the way teams learn and train.
