How to Film So Coaches Actually Watch
You are at the game. You are holding the iPad or the camera. You are trying to capture that "highlight reel" moment for your child.
But most parent-filmed footage is unusable.
It’s too shaky, it’s zoomed in too tight, or the audio is full of parents screaming at the referee. College coaches spend about 30 seconds evaluating a highlight tape. If the footage makes them seasick, they move on.
You don't need a $2,000 camera. You just need better tactics. Here is the Tier One guide to filming game tape.
Want more resources like this guide?
Join the Alta Pursuit Membership and get:
✅ Downloadable worksheets
✅ Athlete performance planners
✅ Elite Coaching Advice
1. Elevation is Everything
The worst angle to film sports is from the sideline at field level. You cannot see the spacing, the formation, or the passing lanes.
The Fix: Get high. Go to the top of the bleachers. If there are no bleachers, bring a step ladder (seriously).
The View: You want a "Tactical View" (looking down), not a "Fan View" (looking across).
2. The "One-Third" Zoom Rule
This is the most common mistake. Parents love to zoom in tight on their child so they can see their face.
The Problem: Coaches don't care about your child's face. They care about context. They need to see who is open, where the defenders are, and the decision-making process.
The Fix: Zoom out until your child takes up only one-third of the screen height. You should always see at least 3–4 other players in the frame.
3. The "Mute" Button is Mandatory
There is nothing more awkward for a college recruiter than watching a highlight tape and hearing the cameraman (you) screaming "RUN! PASS IT! REF ARE YOU BLIND?!"
The Fix: If you are filming, you are a professional videographer, not a fan. Stay silent.
The Backup: If you can't stay quiet, strip the audio file before you upload it to Hudl or YouTube. Send silent clips.
4. Don't Stop Recording
The "Play" doesn't end when the whistle blows.
The "Tier One" Detail: Coaches watch body language. If your child gets tackled, keep filming. Do they pop up instantly? Do they help the opponent up? Do they complain to the ref?
The Asset: A clip of your child sprinting back on defense after a turnover is worth more than a clip of them scoring an easy goal. Capture the hustle.Tier One performance demands control over the controllable. Your resting plan is the system that delivers consistency. Talk to our coaches today for your customized competition plan.
| Item | The Standard | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Use a Tripod. | Handheld footage shakes. Shaky footage looks unprofessional. |
| Orientation | Landscape Mode (Horizontal). | Never film vertical (TikTok style) for game tape. It cuts off the field. |
| The Sun | Sun at your back. | If you film into the sun, the players look like shadows. |
| The Zoom | Wide & Steady. | Do not zoom in and out rapidly. Pick a width and stick to it. |
| The Focus | Follow the Ball, Not the Kid. | If your child doesn't have the ball, keep the ball in the center of the frame. The coach will find your child. |
ELITE ATHLETE COACHING
〰️
ELITE ATHLETE COACHING 〰️
Your "Tier One" Athlete Membership is the competitive edge you’ve been looking for. Get immediate access to exclusive tools and resources designed to sharpen your mindset and fast-track your path to Tier One Status in sports and in life. It's time to build the proof.
