Play Design Software

[coachbayhylle]

Just looking for some solid, reliable, play design software. I'm currently using wheelbarrow's play designer and I'm not completely dissatisfied, but I'm not doing cartwheels either.

Anybody out there using something better?

[spenny]

also: is there ANY play design software that will run on the mac?

[NorthernViking]

You might try emailing the people at Kudda.com. They use something called Kuddamation. It does a great job of demonstrating plays.

[coachbayhylle]

I've considered that. I have a feeling it's either proprietary or very expensive. I'd even consider expensive software, but I'd have to try it first. So many of the others are ok, but their eval softwares don't allow for full demo. Can't save stuff or share it.

Sideline is out of the question too. Huge resource hog, support gets a thumbs down, and it's expensive as all get out. And to be on spenny's side, i don't think it runs on a mac.

I do most of my computing in windows environment, but I have two macs on my desk along with my stinkpad.

[WI_LAX_COACH]

I'm in the same boat. I emailed Kudda, and I'll post their response.

[WI_LAX_COACH]

Kudda's Response:

Rich,

Just got back from the ABCA (Baseball) Convention in Philly so I apologize that I didn't respond back to you sooner.

There really isn't a "software" that I use but rather a combination of softwares that I've finagled to work together to get the effects that I need... for the Kuddamations and Chalktalks. Depending on your computer comfort level, I could explain what those are.
However... certainly a video camera, good lighting and camera work can also do the trick. I'm encouraging other coaches to contribute content to the site...not just the ones that I produce...opening it up to the masses. If you can videotape it, I can edit it and produce/upload to the site. Is there a good time to contact you to discuss in more detail? Please let me know and I'll give you a all this week.
Looking forward to hearing from you

Joe Rice
President
KuddaSports, Inc

[Coach_S]

Do to the nature of my day to day work I have always just used AutoCAD. Here is a link to an open source free cad program that looks good. You can also go to google or sourceforge and search for open source cad programs.

This has a Windows, Linux and OS distribution I believe:
Archimedes Open Source Cad (http://archimedes.incubadora.fapesp.br/portal)

Edit:
As an afterthought there is always google sketchup as well that will let you create 2D play documentation.

[TPRU]

www.playsinmotion.com has good software. I just got it and to be honest it takes a little getting used to. Took a while to input the motion offense...to be honest I have everything handwriten and wanted to try and convert it all to digital so kids can see it animated but by the time I transfer everything to this format the seaon might be over =). Just scan what you have handwritten into a PDF format and e-mail it to your kids. If you like the tinkering around on the computer then go for it....

[CoachK]

And your answer is now here....

www.Athleonsport.com

Free, will send players text message updates of practice times/reminders, private team login, easy to animate plays. Been using it for a while now, it's as good as it gets & the people behind it are great. Enjoy! We can lock & end this thread now!

[Beafly]

I have been using Microsoft Visio to draw plays with. I've attached the stencils I created.

Included are a full field, half field, players for 2 teams and a ball.

[IowaLAX27]

Wow, atheonsport.com is quite impressive. It is pretty functional.

[CoachK]

Keep using it, it gets easier & more functional. If you want to add anything, email them.. They'll add it as well, great company with a great, free product.

[jimlivin]

If you use powerpoint, it has an animation feature, takes some time to get used to and you have to think the process through, but it worked for me.