Drones take local football preparation to new heights

Lovell High School and Rocky Mountain High School are now using drones during both competition and practice to enhance their football programs. The new technology captures overhead footage that provides a full view of plays, formations and player movement. Coaches say this bird’s-eye perspective helps break down strategies, improve player positioning and create highlight reels that showcase both team performance and mistakes.

Since 2015, drones have become increasingly common in filming professional and college football games. Only in the past few years have state athletic associations begun setting clear rules for filming high school practices and contests.

Flying drones over football fields remains somewhat controversial. A malfunction could cause injury, and constant recording raises questions about consent and the proper use of footage. Still, drone technology has come a long way. The models now used by local schools weigh a little more than two Snickers bars yet can capture 4K-quality video. (By comparison, one Idaho district’s outdated policy still allows drones weighing up to 55 pounds.)

“Drone footage makes it so much easier to see what’s going on,” said Lovell head coach Nicc Crosby. “When filming from the side at a lower angle, there’s a lot in terms of alignment and players carrying out their responsibilities that’s difficult to determine. Nobody on the field can hide from the drone.”

Wyoming-specific rules

The Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) bans drones at all school contests except football, where they are allowed under strict conditions. Drones must remain tethered outside the field, never fly over players or sidelines, and only school-issued devices may be used. Both host and visiting schools must notify each other at least 24 hours in advance, and final approval rests with game officials.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules also apply, keeping flights below 400 feet and requiring notification of any airport within five miles.

What other states are doing

As drone use expands nationwide, more states are developing their own policies for football games, and Wyoming sits somewhere in the middle.

In Mississippi, drone operators must hold official FAA certification before flying over any school event. In Kentucky, drones are completely banned; if one is spotted near a field, officials must stop play until the situation is resolved. Kansas takes a different approach, requiring operators to show proof of third-party aviation liability insurance before flight.

Most of Wyoming’s neighboring states have rules similar to the WHSAA’s, allowing limited use during football games but with strict safety and notification requirements.

Rocky and Lovell

At Rocky Mountain High School, Athletic Director Tobee Christiansen said the program is just getting started with drone use.

“Coach Jessee Wilson really likes the video he gets from them,” Christiansen said. “We’re careful to follow all WHSAA rules, including tethering the drone with a cord and flying it only where it should be.”

Crosby credited volunteer assistant coach Erik Ferbrache for leading the learning process at Lovell.

“He’s done a great job flying it and has even taught our managers to fly it, as well,” Crosby said. “Seeing the field from the end zone and at a higher angle allows us to give players meaningful feedback that’s 100 percent accurate and easy for them to see.”

Rocky coach Wilson agreed.

“It provides an awesome view of the game, and the technology is making us a better football team,” he said. “The aerial footage helps coaches study key details such as linemen’s footwork and overall team alignment, allowing for quick in-game adjustments and clearer post-game feedback.”

Implementing drone filming has been surprisingly smooth, Wilson said, adding, “They’re fairly intuitive machines, so once you get the hang of it, they’re easy to operate.”

Student managers have been trained to fly the drone effectively, though limited battery life and WHSAA’s tethering requirements have required some planning.

“We just make sure it’s secured and have a rotation plan for batteries so we can capture the whole game,” Wilson said.

Both schools see drone footage as a valuable new tool for improving player awareness and sharpening team performance, proof that football strategy in the Big Horn Basin is now being refined not only on the ground but also from the sky.