Should You Get Hudl for Soccer?

I recently got asked by a parent if they should set up a Hudl account for their child. “Is it worth it?” They asked.

If they answer “yes” to all of the questions below then I think it’s worth having the account…

• Does the player want to play in college?
• Does their club or coach invest in Hudl already?

Here are some recordings from Hudl’s explore page.

On the other hand, if it’s just to show off some skills to their friends and family, then something like Instagram would be a better fit.

In this article, I’ll address this topic some more and provide some insights on Hudl. You can decide for yourself if it’s worth setting up an account!

What is Hudl?

Hudl is a video analysis tool that allows coaches and players to break down and analyze game footage.

With Hudl, you can watch and analyze your games, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and work on specific skills.

Additionally, Hudl allows you to share your game footage with coaches, teammates, and recruiters, making it easier to get feedback and showcase your abilities to potential colleges or teams.

Here’s an example of a Hudl video…

Benefits of a Hudl Account

If you’re a soccer player looking to improve your game, a Hudl account can be a valuable tool. Here are some benefits of having a Hudl account:

Exposure & Recruiting

This is probably the biggest benefit.

If you’re hoping to play soccer at the college level, a Hudl account can be a great way to get noticed by coaches.

With Hudl, you can upload your game footage and clip highlight reels to showcase your skills.

You can share a link with college coaches and scouts. They may get a good sense of the player you are before they see you in person.

Ultimately, this can make it easier for coaches to evaluate your abilities and determine if you’re a good fit for their team.

Performance Analysis

You can use tools like slow-motion playback, drawing tools, and side-by-side comparisons to get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

This can help you make adjustments to your game and become a better player.

Veo and Trace are often used by youth soccer clubs to record and review games but Hudl can accomplish something similar.

Team Collaboration

Hudl isn’t just for individual players – it’s also a great tool for teams.

With Hudl, coaches can upload game footage and share it with their players, allowing them to review their performance and make adjustments.

Players can also use Hudl to communicate with their teammates and coaches, making it easier to stay organized and on the same page.

Considerations Before Signing Up

Before you hit the “SIGN UP” button, consider these factors first.

Pricing

One of the first things to consider before signing up for a Hudl account is the pricing.

While the app itself is free to download, some features may come at a cost.

For example, the Hudl Assist feature, which provides automated game breakdowns and stats, requires a subscription that could cost hundreds for a team.

Additionally, while coaches can create and share videos for free, athletes may need to pay to access certain videos.

Privacy and Data Security

Like most online platforms, an important factor to consider is your privacy and data security.

Hudl collects and stores personal information such as names, email addresses, and passwords.

It’s important to read and understand Hudl’s privacy policy before creating an account to ensure your personal information is protected.

Platform Usability

When deciding whether to sign up for a Hudl account, it’s important to consider the platform’s usability. Hudl offers a lot (and most you may not use).

Hudl offers a variety of features, including video analysis, messaging, and stats tracking.

Before signing up, it may be helpful to read reviews or watch tutorials to get a better sense of the platform’s usability.

Is Hudl Worth It?

As a player or parent of a player, if your club invests in Hudl, it is worth it because it should be free to you.

As a player, if your goal is to play college soccer, then Hudl provides more proactive exposure. It can also be a place where you house your highlights to send to coaches and scouts.

As a coach, Hudl is a great way to record games, analyze performance, and allow players to clip their highlights.

But, you may be locked into a platform already with your club so apps like Veo are also great!