The Ultimate Guide to Filming Youth Basketball Games

Hello everyone,

It’s Ernesto again, and I’m still buzzing from this past weekend's games! My son’s team won both of their matchups, and as a proud parent 🥹, you know my phone was out recording all the action.

Filming a game can be a challenge. You’re a fan, but you're also the designated videographer, trying to get that perfect shot of your kid. Over the years, I've picked up a few tips that have saved me a ton of frustration. I wanted to share them with you to make your next game-day experience a little easier.

Here's my quick guide to filming great basketball footage:

1. Find the Perfect Spot

Don't just sit in the first open seat. The best spot is typically in the top row of the bleachers, right on the half-court line. This gives you a clear, wide view of the entire court and reduces the chance of people walking in front of your camera. Avoid filming from behind the backboard, as it's a huge blind spot.

2. Go Wide, Not Close

It’s tempting to zoom in when your child has the ball, but trust me, resist the urge! You'll miss the fast break, the great pass, and the celebration at the other end of the court. Keep your camera zoomed out enough to capture the whole court. Our AI can find the highlights from a wide shot, but it can’t find a highlight if it’s not in the frame.

3. Keep it Steady and Smooth

A shaky camera can be distracting and hard to watch. If you don't have a tripod, try propping your elbows on your knees or against the back of the bleachers to steady your shot. When the action moves, use slow, deliberate movements to follow the ball rather than jerking the camera around.

4. Don't Stress About the Perfection

The most important thing is to enjoy the game. These tips are here to help, not to add more pressure. Remember, the beauty of a tool like EliteTime is that it can find the magic moments from a simple video—it doesn't need professional footage. We'll handle the hard work of finding the shots so you can focus on cheering.

I'd love to hear your game-day filming tips! Share them in the comments below!

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🙌🏽