To ensure you capture high-quality, usable footage during games, follow these best practices for camera setup and recording:
1. Start Recording Before Tipoff
Early Recording: Begin recording a minute or two before tipoff. This allows the software to capture who is on the court at the start of the game.
2. Identify Teams and Jerseys
Team Confirmation: If possible, confirm team names and jerseys on camera. You can say something like: “Team X in white, Team Y in black” for clarity.
Whiteboard Display: As an alternative, use a small whiteboard to display the teams’ names and colors in the first frame of the recording.
Providing these simple clues will help avoid issues with incorrect team identification and reduce turnaround time for processing the footage.
3. Positioning Your Camera
Center Court Placement: Try to position your camera as close to center court as possible. This helps ensure both sides of the court are evenly visible.
Height: Record from at least 8 feet above ground level to reduce obstructions and give a clear view of the court.
4. Capturing the Full Court
Panning Across the Court: When panning, ensure you capture as much of half-court and the basket as possible.
Court Lines: Make sure to include all court lines, including those in the far corners, to provide complete footage for review.
5. Keep the Sound On
Audio Recording: Leave the sound on throughout the recording. This allows the system to pick up important audio cues like whistles and horns, which can help identify pauses and important events in the game.
6. Continuous Recording
Record Without Pauses: Try to leave the recording on throughout the entire game without stopping, including during halftime. Continuous recording ensures no important moments are missed.
7. Minimizing Obstructions
Avoid Blockages: Position your camera in a place where people won’t block the view.
Stabilize the Camera: Use a tripod or stabilizer to avoid shaky footage.
8. Referee in Frame
Referee Positioning: Whenever possible, try to keep the referee in frame during regular play. This can help verify fouls, violations, and turnovers, making the footage more valuable for review.
9. Scoreboard Recording
Opposite Side of Scoreboard: Position your camera on the opposite side of the scoreboard if possible.
Scoreboard Capture: At a minimum, ensure the scoreboard is recorded during halftime breaks and at the end of the game for accurate score tracking.