Volleyball Recording Tips • Hudl Support

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.

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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 to the court and want to capture more in the picture. Or grab a telephoto lens if you’re recording farther away from the court.

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

Record behind your side of the net.

The best vantage point is behind the end line on your side of the net. It can be a tight squeeze, but recording from this angle gives you an opportunity to better analyze positioning and see jersey numbers. To record effectively from the end line, have your device either far enough to see both deep corners or high enough to get the full court in frame. Angle your camera to capture the action and make sure your camera is focused. If you can’t have your setup behind the end line, set up diagonally from the corner of your end line and switch sides between sets.

Switch sides between sets.
Despite the inconvenience, you’ll want to see your players, not the net. Switching sides with your team guarantees a great view. Plus, your setup should be lightweight and easy to move.

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 set. You can also try to include the scoreboard in your shot to make it easier to follow along. This will help 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 timeouts.
To keep up with the flow of the match, and catch all substitutions, only pause at timeouts or between sets. Even if there is a call in question, keep recording so you (and our analysts) can catch the outcome. DO NOT end the recording and start a new recording between matches. PAUSE the recording and start again at the beginning of the next match. This keeps all the matches in one video for easy of uploading.

Match Day Checklist

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.

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.
Don’t get dizzy zooming in and out.
Don’t lose your view of the court, athletes and referees.
Don’t forget to get shots of the scoreboard.
Do use a tripod to keep video stable.
Do record behind your side of the net and capture the whole court.
Do pause in between sets and during timeouts.
Do switch sides each set.
Do capture jersey numbers and referee signals.