Recording Soccer Games

Website: www.svtadvantage.net
With the correct setup, you can create awesome highlight reels, record statistics, do technical analysis of your team or a competitor, and work on player development-because players improve better and faster when they can visually see what they’re doing.
When you’re looking at equipment to record soccer, there are a number of factors to consider.
1) First factor is Versatility: Will you possibly use the equipment to record more than one sport? If that’s a possibility, make sure that your equipment can be used for each sport you’re filming. Some recording systems are only made to record a single sport. Others can be used to record many different sports.
2) Second factor is portability: Whether you are traveling to a tournament by car or plane, it’s important to choose a system that you can not only get to the tournament but is also easy to move quickly from game to game if needed.
3) Next thing you should consider is getting the best angle to capture the game? Elevated video allows you to have a better angle to see the positioning of players on the field. It provides you better video for team review, technical analysis, college recruitment highlight reels, or for those just wanting to watch the game. Elevated video also eliminates the problem of people blocking your camera when they walk or stand in front of you. No matter what system you chose, It is very important that someone is by the pole at all times. No matter what you are told, wind gusts, a ball strike or a running child can knock a pole over. This can cause equipment damage, or worse, hurt a spectator. When utilizing a pole for video capture, it is your responsibility to look out for the safety of those around you.
4) You should also consider the Cost of Ownership: Is there a monthly fee to use the equipment? Make sure you check the companies you’re purchasing equipment from to make sure that any monthly fees work with your video needs. Sometimes, if you stop paying the monthly fee, your equipment is rendered useless-essentially becoming an expensive paper weight.
In addition to the factors mentioned, its also important to choose the right kind of camera. There are two kinds of cameras: GoPro style cameras or a traditional camcorder.
1) iPads and GoPro style cameras are okay, but you should be aware that they utilize fish-eye lenses to capture video and they don’t have all of the setting options or zoom capability found in camcorders. Although they are great for seeing the whole field, Fish-eye lenses will skew the perspective from what the normal human eye perceives, making them not only appear farther away but also distorts the tactical positioning between players.
2) The second option is a good quality camcorder. Camcorders provide more quality recording options as well as the ability to zoom without degrading the quality of the footage. This allows you to capture individual player highlights in great detail. Camcorders do not have the same fish-eye distortion characteristics and allow you more recording options. Camcorders record better in low-light, better and more consistent color-rendition, and allow you to record in 60p-which gives you less blurry footage during fast-paced games and allows you the flexibility to make your footage into slow motion footage if you desire.
3) Which ever camera you choose, make sure it provides adequate recording time and memory for what you need. Some camera systems have limited recording time because they have built in batteries and or memory cards without the option for expansion. If you are planning to record consecutive games or want to immediately review footage on a laptop or television, a camcorder is a good choice since you can quickly change out the batteries and memory cards.
Once you have chosen your equipment, its best to set up the pole near the middle of the field, 10 to 15 feet back, if possible, from the sideline, and at least 16 feet above the field height. Tripod legs should be adjusted to accommodate any slopes and changes in topography that may be encountered.
When you’re recording keep these things in mind:
1) Don’t zoom in too far. Keep the camera focused on approximately ¼-1/3 of the field with the action in the middle of the screen-this allows you to see the positioning of players in the area of play and the center referee to better see and understand play calls.
2) If you zoom in for set plays, capture player movements.
3) Zoom out on the big kicks or throws to capture the full play.
4) Get periodic scoreboard shots-especially after a goal.
5) Don’t pause except during halftime.
Lastly, here are some tips to make your game-days more stress free: designate one person to set-up and take down the equipment. This will allow for quicker set-ups, reduces the possibility of leaving equipment components on the field, and eliminates any learning-curve for new individuals trying to figure out the equipment.