Use these tips to make sure you have the best vantage point, workflow and accessories to record the clearest video. This will have a big impact on your post-game review and ability to create highlights, especially if you plan to tag stats afterwards or send your video to Hudl Assist.
Preseason Prep
Choose your favorite device to record — iPad, iPhone or camera.
Decide the ideal recording setup for your team. An iPad or iPhone gets video online faster because it can upload live with a WiFi connection. But a camera gives you better zoom and quality options. It also gives you more storage freedom since you can use multiple memory cards.
Style your setup.
Use a tripod to keep video stable and check out lenses and cases to help you get the best picture if you’re using an iPad or iPhone. Use a wide-angle lens when you record close the field and want to capture more in the picture. Or grab a telephoto lens if you’re recording farther away from the field.
Test it at a practice or scrimmage.
Before your first game, test your setup by recording an entire practice or scrimmage. This is the ideal way to try out your hardware and train the person behind the camera on how to get the best video. Pro tip — send them this article.
Game Day Tips
Set up near the middle of the field.
The best vantage point is a high point near the center of the field. It can be a tight squeeze, but recording from this angle gives you an opportunity to better analyze positioning and see jersey numbers. Set up your device either far enough away to see both ends of the field, or high enough to get the full field in frame.
Get smooth video with a tripod.
No one wants to watch shaky video. Plus, the height of a tripod can help you reach that perfect vantage point.
Record the scoreboard.
Take quick scoreboard shots throughout the game — especially at the end of each scoring play and timeout. This will help both our analysts as they tag and you as you review.
Capture referee signals.
Keep the referee in the frame so you can record their signals throughout the game.
Go easy on the zoom.
Stay far enough away to get both teams without using the zoom too often — you’ll thank yourself during review.
Only pause at timeouts.
To keep up with the flow of the game, and catch all substitutions, only pause at timeouts or between halves. Even if there’s a call in question, keep recording so you (and our analysts) can catch the outcome.
Game Day Checklist
Record with an iPad or iPhone
Record with a camera
When recording
Don’t expect someone to hold the camera steady for an entire game.
Do use a tripod to keep video stable.
Don’t get dizzy zooming in and out.
Do record mid-field from a high vantage point.
Don’t stop recording at every dead ball.
Do pause at halftime.
Don’t lose your view of the field, athletes and referees.
Do capture jersey numbers and referee signals.
Don’t forget to get shots of the scoreboard.