It sounds crazy at first, but replace the word "drone" with "flying video camera" and it actually makes a lot of sense. The Dallas Cowboys are now using drones to film practice sessions.
According to head coach Jason Garrett, not only does the drone's camera provide an above-the-field camera angle, but it also allows the camera to get closer to the action on the field.
"The drone angle is interesting because it gives you a chance from behind to see all 11 guys on offense and all 11 guys on defense, but from a lower angle," Garrett told the Dallas Morning News. "Often times, you have to kind of pull yourself way away to get the all-22 shot. This allows you to be a little closer, so you can coach better."
By getting close-up shots of players during practice, Garrett and his coaching staff are able to pick up on the smaller details that matter.
"You see hand placement, you see where they have their feet and where they have their eyes," Garrett said. "I think that's important. You can look at the players and coach them better when you're that much closer to the action."
According to Garrett, they stole the idea from SMU. Considering the NFL is known as a copycat league, how long until all other teams in the league begin flying their own drones during practice?
With OTAs on the horizon, we'll find out soon enough.
