GoPro camera helps Terry Dozier be a better coach

Unsatisfied with the view and angle traditional video cameras give while filming a game, Westwood boys basketball coach Terry Dozier has taken a different approach.

The former South Carolina standout straps on a GoPro camera for Redhawks games.

"I do it as another means of learning how I coach. When you videotape from the stands, you see pictures, but you don’t hear stuff," Dozier said. "The GoPro you see what I’m saying and time of the situation I am saying it. I got it going on the whole time. I got it videotaping everything and what I’m saying and the time I’m saying it. It helps me be a better coach."

Dozier said there was plenty to learn from and see from the camera following a game against Ridge View in which the Redhawks blew a 16-point lead in the 65-59 loss.

Dozier is the only one who watches the footage from his GoPro camera. His players still watch the traditional overhead camera angle filmed with an iPad.

This isn’t the first time the Westwood coach has dabbled with using technology as a coach. He tried using Spy Glasses, which contain an 8mm camera, but felt GoPro better serves his needs. The video from the camera captures Dozier’s view during the game and in timeouts.

The camera is situated in the middle of the harness which the 6-foot-9 Dozier straps on before each game. The price of the GoPro Dozier uses cost around $500-600 and he pays for it with money from his athletic budget.

The use of GoPros has been on the rise in recent years among professional and college teams, mainly for football. Former NFL coach and current Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden has a deal with GoPro.

That trend has trickled down to the high school level, and some S.C. teams are following suit. In the Pee Dee, Wilson and Marlboro County High used it this season by strapping one to their quarterbacks’ helmets during practices.

Dozier is believed to be the only basketball coach in the state and possibly the country wearing a GoPro as he moves up and down the bench during each game. Other coaches in the Midlands have mixed opinions on wearing the device during games.

“I want to dress nice. I don’t want have any gadgets on me,” said Perry Dozier, Terry’s brother and head coach at Spring Valley. “He is good with it and knows what he is doing but we got a difference style on how we do things.”

"I am all about trying something different with technology," Ridge View boys coach John Combs said. "And if I found I can use it an authentic teaching tool I would use it. I could see the value of it especially during timeouts and see how the players are reacting during timeouts. So I could see how it would be beneficial."

Dozier said he isn’t sure if other coaches will follow his lead.

"I hope not," he joked. "I think it is a great tool and I am going to continue to use it."

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 5:58 PM.