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-match 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 to record several matches in one day.
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 at a practice or scrimmage.
Before your first match, 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.
Match 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.
Find the ideal vantage point.
Get the highest angle possible for the best view of the field. This allows you to view shape and see how phases of play develop. If a high angle isn’t possible, do your best to set up where others won’t walk in front of the setup. Regardless of your elevation, record near the middle of the field.
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 match — especially at the end of each scoring play and quarter. 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 capture their signals throughout the match.
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 halftime.
To keep up with the flow of the match, and catch all substitutions, only pause between halves. Even if there is a call in question, keep recording so you (and our analysts) can catch the outcome
Match Day Checklist
Record with an iPad or iPhone
- Charge your device completely.
- Clear storage space — you’ll need 2 – 3 GB free for a match.
- Update your operating system and the Hudl app.
- Grab the tripod and any additional hardware you need.
- Bring a backup device — don’t risk missing the match because your iPad suddenly died, crashed or ran out of storage space.
Record with a camera
- Make sure the battery is fully charged.
- Check the memory card’s available space, and pack an extra to be on the safe side.
- Grab the tripod and any additional hardware you need.
- Bring an extra battery — if there are no outlets near your setup, an extra battery like this can be a lifesaver.
When recording
Don’t expect someone to hold the camera steady for an entire match.
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.
Do get shots of the scoreboard.