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Video Operations. How to best collect the action on the field to video and what to do with it after it’s in the camera. Video Production Goal. The reason we are recording the plays is to provide the coaches with a tool to scout the opponents and to evaluate our own team.
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Video Operations How to best collect the action on the field to video and what to do with it after it’s in the camera.
Video Production Goal • The reason we are recording the plays is to provide the coaches with a tool to scout the opponents and to evaluate our own team. • Although the normal recording will usually result in clips that the players can use for their personal highlight videos, that is not the objective of our video operators • Video recording is a technical process (not magic), it is important to the success of the team, and therefore must be studied and optimized.
General Video Objectives • We will capture video in three areas: • All of our own games • Some practices • Scout games as required • For our varsity and JV games we will have • End zone view • Pressbox view • Freshmen will have the Pressbox, and may have the End zone if videographer can be identified • For our practices we will capture the core of the offense/defense (the players in/around the “Box”) • For scout games we will have the pressbox view that we will capture and the DVD’s that are provided by the league exchange policy
Objective: Have the varsity game on Hudl, all views consolidated, with stats entered, by 0900 the morning after the game • Process • Record the game from the sideline (pressbox) and from the end zone • ‘Live Tag’ the game using the Hudl application on the iPhone/Android • Upload all 3 playlists to the Hudl servers • The Live Tag data is uploaded right from the phone right after the game • The • Merge the sideline (best view of the LOS) with the tagged game data • This gives all the down, distance, hash, gain/loss information for the plays • The two playlists become a single playlist • Merge the end zone video with the sideline • The two playlists become a single playlist
Things that have to be done to get usable video of ourselves and opponents Videographer Package
How to videotape Football Games or Practice Scrimmages • First off. Thank you for you help in taking on this chore. It is not an extremely difficult one but there are some specific requirements you need to know about • The coaches have specific needs for game and practice footage. We are not looking for NFL films highlights. We are looking for video we can use to evaluate the performance of the entire team • Close up shots are not often necessary. The only time to close in on the players is after the play ends and they are unpiling and going back to their huddle. Do not zoom in on the runner when they have the ball. We need to see how both teams are moving, blocking and tackling. • Hold the camera steady. Even without the tripod this can be easily done with some concentration. Your back may strain a bit, just stretch it out between plays now and then. • Do not zoom out too much. We do not want to see the entire field. We want to see the players, not empty grass. We do not need to see anything off the field. Focus on the action. When the play starts try to have all the players in the screen. The only exceptions are receivers that are very wide and defensive backs that are very deep. You should have from the end of the running backs to the safeties in plain view. These persons are the last ones for each team by length of the field.
Scouting at Their Place • Remember that you are a guest in their stadium. You do not need to make comments, interact with the crowd, or be rude/obnoxious in any way. • Wear team shirt/hat so you are identified as an opponent. • Your objective is to get in, do your job, and get out as quietly and quickly as you can • Try to sit on the highest stands as this will give the best view • Set the camera up as high from the field as possible. • It doesn’t matter which side you sit on, as long as you are trying to get above the field as much as possible • The closer to the 50-yard line the better. Try not to be beyond the 35-yard line. • You can move to follow the ball if it is feasible. You don’t have to, but you can if it will help you get the best video. • Use a tripod if possible. • If a tripod is not feasible, try to stand up and lean against something (top wall of the stands) to steady the image. • Do not try to shoot the video just holding the camera, vacation style. • Use both hands on the camera • Dig your elbows into your side to form a steady base for the camera.
Camera Positions • End zone (Tight) • Setup in the end zone away from the scoreboard • Position 3-5 yards outside of the goal post upright nearest our sideline, 2-4 yards from the end line • Raise the pole to the highest setting possible • Use the camera zoom to get the offensive line and TE’s/Wings, plus about 3 yards outside of the EMLOS • Follow the ball, without zooming in and out • It’s ok to zoom out a bit if it is a pass as the OL/DL may spill out wide • Unless it’s a long break-away type play • Press Box (Wide) • Setup using the tripod • Use available power if feasible • You must be in proximity to the laptop for the connection (15’ cable)
General Video Process • Arrive before the JV game and get everything setup • Record the JV game from the pressbox camera • Record from the end zone if operator(s) can be scheduled • Record the varsity game from the pressbox and from the end zone • Break down the gear and get out of the area as soon as feasible • Begin the video production operations
Video Technique – General • Follow the ball nicely, no need to jerk the camera around. • All movements should be fluid and smooth. Jerky makes the video very difficult to follow. • Set the camera zoom to be manual only • Digital zoom reduces the quality of the recording because the camera uses digital sampling to get the added zoom. Anything above the manual zoom (typically 10x-12x) is digital and reduces the image quality. • Some cameras have manual zoom up to 20x and if they do, use it. But do not use digital zoom in any instance. • Make sure the date/time is set on the camera. • The camera will time-stamp each clip which is then used by the computers/players to identify the individual clips
Video Technique – General • Shot of the scoreboard, ~3 sec. • At start of each quarter/OT • Final score at the end of the game • At each change of possession • The shot should have the scoreboard legible, the contrast of the lights and the scoreboard background may cause focus problems. I need good sharp images, not fuzzy light outlines. Try to force the camera to focus and not just a blur • Anytime the game might warrant it, such as a last minute drive at the end of the half/game where the time might be important for evaluation of the play selection • This is a separate clip, not a run-on from the end of a play. • Do not zoom in and out. That is not what the coaches need or want. • Recording – Start and Stop • Start recording when the offense is nearing the LOS to start the play. If they are quick off the ball then start a little earlier. • Stop recording just after the whistle blows • The clips should be 5-8 seconds in length, on average. Don’t need/want 30 second clips of everything between the plays. • Know how long the camera takes to start recording once the record button is pressed.
Sideline View • This shows a good view of what the field of view should be from the sideline • Deepest defender + 3-4 yards • Deepest offensive back + 3-4 yards • Try for the full width of the field, get the widest offensive players • Follow the ball but zooming in/out is not required • If it is a run then can zoom in a bit once it is recognized • If it is a pass or special play then stay zoomed out, the intent of the sideline view is to show the receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs
End Zone View • Sample of the initial coverage • EMLOS to EMLOS, plus a couple of yards to each side • Might go just a yard or two wider to cover more of the TE area • If it is a run then just follow the ball • If it is a breakaway can zoom in once well into the secondary • If it is a pass then can zoom back to show the routes
Video Technique – End Zone • The end zone camera is not sufficient by itself, the field of view is too narrow to include all of the players. That means that to be effective it must be used in conjunction with a sideline setup. • The depth of view is distorting in that it’s hard to tell a 1-yd gain from a 5-yd gain. It’s the angle, especially if the players are coming right at the camera. So while it’s good for recording the players, it’s not good for determining distance. That means that the EZ view is a supplemental view and not the primary. • When using a 2-camera system the end zone should focus on the interior line play as the first priority. Get from EMLOS to EMLOS plus a little extra space. Then follow the play. • If it is a pass do not follow the ball. I found that I just can’t follow the ball when it is thrown nor can I zoom out sufficiently. When I recognize pass I zoom out a bit wider and just stay on the QB. Let the sideline camera collect the routes and receivers. If it's a good run then follow the RB and zoom out some more, but the average play is just going to be a few yards (and you can't tell how many from this view). • Running the plays with a line of players between the camera and the play does not work • We are in a contact camp right now with both ends of the field being used by teams. We are scrimmaging and the offense is at the other end, going away. The natural thing is to have the extra players behind the coaches in the middle of the field. All that does for the EZ view is place a wall between the camera and the play. Have to work on that to get that wall out. • For team time – If we use the EZ view I expect that we will want to place the unit with the offense coming into the camera. I’m not sure of the best view for the practice sessions. Still trying to work that issue.
Normal Plays • Show the offensive team as they break the huddle and approach the ball • Shoot the defensive front seven and offensive line at first • When QB is under center zoom back to include most of the players so we can see the formation and motions. • If RUN follow the running back and try to include all blockers and defenders in the area. Zoom in just a bit to do this. • If PASS, zoom out to include all players on the screen. You need to capture the QB at then end of his drop on one side of the screen and the defense and the receivers going to the other end. Once the ball is thrown treat it like a kick, do not follow the ball in the air but the action on the field that takes you to the ball as it comes down. • After the play ends zoom in so we can see the tacklers, the runner, and the near blockers as they unpile. • REMEMBER : MORE IS BETTER. It is better to cut late than too soon. We can edit out time, but we can’t regain anything. • Also, be sure that you know if you are on Record or Pause. Many people mix this up by accident. Check it every time. • We do not need play-by-play or cheering. Often this detracts from the filming quality. Also you may say something you regret later as everyone will hear this. Be the silent witness when filming. You can say what you want when the tape is off.
Kickoffs and Punts • Take a wide angle shot of the teams as they line up • After the kick focus on the return team • Do not track the ball in air but find the returner, as the ball will come to him. Simply pan back to the returner and capture the blockers and coverage as they come to him. When he moves follow the action with him. • Keep the returner on one side of the camera. There is usually not much action behind him. So focus on him and what is happening in front of him.
Things to Bring: End Zone System • Base unit • Red control cable • Telescope section • System box • Risers • Monitor • Cable • Monitor support • Control arm • Camera Bag • Camcorder • Sony HD with LANC controls • AC Adapter/power brick with connecting cables • Extension cord • Battery • Spare batteries (2) • Collapsible chair
Things to Bring: Sideline System • Camcorder • Hard Drive, JVC • Tripod • Tripod-camera connector if needed • AC Adapter/power brick with connecting cables • Extension cord • Battery • Spare batteries (2) • Collapsible chair • If there is not a good pressbox or if you will be sitting with the pressbox camera
Things to Bring: Still Camera System • SLR digital camera body • 70/210mm Lens • 50mm Lens • xx • xxx
Things to Bring: Personal Stuff • Shoulder Bag • Clipboard • Game Binder • Plain Paper • Pens, Pencils, sharpie, chalk, white board marker(s) • Statistics Sheets • Player Statistics • WHS • Opponent • Play Results • Playlist • Roster • Scouting Sheets • Their response to our formations • Their formations • Calculator • Binoculars • Food • Protein/energy bars • Candy Bar • Water • Gum • Cash • Clothing • Game Shirt • Windbreaker • Fleece jacket • Hat • Rain gear • Umbrella • Plastic bags • Small duct tape
How we incorporate the Hudl web-based video editing system into our operations Hudl Operations
Hudl • Hudl is an on-line video editing product that we use to manage the video products generated during the year • The system is web-based so any computer with a browser (or iOS devices with their application) can access the video • It requires a Windows or Macintosh operating system to upload the video clips to the servers • The capabilities for this system are very high and we can do a lot with this system
Base Hudl Workflow Sideline End Zone • After transferring the clips to Hudl the camera is available for reuse • Games are edited and then loaded to Hudl • Live-Tag the game • Upload directly to Hudl • Data Entry • Coaches participate Hudl • Scouting reports, game statistics • Exchanges • Highlights • Recruiting • Cutups • DVD’s can be made from Hudl • Use PC to do this, or can be ordered from Hudl
Workflow • Video the game using a digital camera • Sideline • End Zone • Live-Tag the game using iPhone/Android • Load the project to the Hudl server(s) • The second project/game can then be edited while the first game is being loaded. • Edit the data for the games (coaches) • Generate reports, highlights, cutups, training segments
Data Entry • The ability to view the video is a very great capability, one that makes the system worthwhile just for that reason • However, by entering the play data the value of the system skyrockets • The issue with entering the data is that it takes time to do the entry, too much time for any one coach to enter • Garbage in, garbage out: Like anything else, the better the data entry the better the analysis will be. Not entering data is an option, but if split between coaches it is not an onerous task • The optimal solution is to divide the data entry among the coaches so that many coaches are involved, and no one coach is swamped • It spreads the task so that no one coach feels like he has the full burden while everyone else is cruising by
Coaches Entering Data • There are several categories of data that can be entered • Base: The base data about the play, such as the LOS, down, and distance. These values are not specific to the offense or defense • Offense: Information about our offensive entry such as the QB, WR, and RB • Defense: Values about our defensive entry such as the front, coverage, and tackler(s) • Special teams: The kicking data including the kick yards and return yards • Dividing the entry of these categories between several coaches will reduce the amount of data any one coach has to enter • Coaches entering data can setup filters so they see just the data they are responsible for entering and not be ‘swamped’ by too many items on the screen • It also provides a coach responsible for an area, if that data is not entered it shows up immediately • Personal experience shows that it takes about an hour to enter the base data values for a game • There are generally 130-160 discrete plays in each game, at 2 updates per minute, that’s about an hour, hour and a half • Asking a coach to spend an hour entering data about a game does not seem out of line with coaching expectations
Suggestions • When running the scout offense use our naming conventions for formations, players, calls, motions, etc. • So although running a different offensive scheme the players hear familiar terms and can more readily comprehend the play – it’s ‘ours’ vs. some foreign thing • This should also apply to the Hudl data entry for the opponents plays – call them what we would call them • The Freshmen team is not a separate entity but an integral part of the program • Get the Frosh coaches to video, scout, and enter Hudl data • They support JV and varsity post-game breakdown, data entry, and analysis
Things that have to be done to get a usable DVD and some game information DVD Production
Video Production – DVHS Games • Once the collection of the game video has been completed the production of the video products can begin • For varsity games the products include: • DVD of pressbox view for exchange • Not needed until the following week • DVD of full game with pressbox and end zone views • DVD of offensive cutups with pressbox and end zone views • DVD of defensive cutups with pressbox and end zone views • DVD of kicking cutups with pressbox and end zone views • Web site of the game, pressbox view • Not needed until the following week • For JV games the products include: • DVD of pressbox view
Own Game Operations • At the end of the game the objective is to have, in hand: • The pressbox/sideline view in the laptop with the play data entered • A camera that has the end zone view/clips in it’s media • Import the end zone clips into the laptop • File transfer (very fast), or importing (1:1 time-wise) • Import the end zone clips into the TDV application • Immediate, just a couple of minutes • Align the end zone clips with the existing game clips • Make sure both views are showing the same clip at the same time • Sequence should be very close so adjusting is minimal. Easy to do and the software will try to match (if the date/time in the camera’s are synchronized/close) • Generate the clips for the cutups • This includes all of the base game clips • Clips identified by searches (pre-defined) • Generate the game reports • Statistics, tendencies, etc., raw game data. These files will be attached to the DVD and readable if the DVD is used in a computer. • A printed copy of the game statistics and base reports will be delivered with the master DVD • Produce the DVD(s) • Modify the DVD menu (opponent, date, score and such), add the proper clips, burn to the DVD image file • Burn the DVD image file to a physical DVD • The “Master” DVD will be printed • Duplicate the DVD as required
TDV Operations – Own Game end zone • Media goes to Archive • Clips are merged into the existing clips from the pressbox • Web site of the game, pressbox view • DVD of pressbox view for post-game review • Video exchange • DVD of full game with pressbox and end zone views • DVD of offensive cutups with pressbox and end zone views • DVD of defensive cutups with pressbox and end zone views • Media goes to Archive • DVD of kicking cutups with pressbox and end zone views • Game-time data collection • Save play clips – separate from the camera • Enter data into TD Video • Game reports, tendencies, statistics Pressbox
Pressbox – TDV Operations HD or MiniDV Tape DV OutFirewire Cable • Save play clips Top of Pressbox Inside Pressbox • Save play clips – separate from the camera • Enter data into TD Video
Video Production – Scout Games • Objective: Use in-person data gathering and videos to evaluate the opponent so we can develop a concise scouting report and resulting game plan. • We will scout the most recent game (0) of our next opponent (Friday night) • We will receive the previous 2 weeks (-1, -2) of our opponents at the Saturday exchange • Does this hold true for the 4 pre-season opponents? • From our scout video, Friday night: • Read the 0 game into the TDV software • Quick breakdown – Run, Pass, Kick, Qtr • Burn to DVD with cutups • Full game • Offense • Defense • Kicking • Copies of 0, -1, -2 DVD’s made Saturday morning during coaches meeting(s)
Scout Games – Above and Beyond • For those opponents that we really want to do a thorough evaluation there are additional steps that can be taken • Convert the opponent DVD’s to the computer • Read the DVD files into the computer, rip them into usable video files. • Add the clips to the TDV software • Do the Run-Pass-Kick-Quarter data entry • The more data that is entered for each game, the more detailed the reports and cutups can become. • But, it takes about 1.5-2.5 hours per game to enter the detailed data. We get a lot, but it takes time to enter the data • This data entry time would be consistent regardless of the scouting application used • Generate consolidated cutup DVD’s • Offense, Defense, Kicking from all 3 games
TDV Operations – Scout Game Sideline • After transfer to laptop media is available for reuse • Clips are copied to the laptop • DVD of special/as requested cutups • Data Entry – Scouting data, coaches participate • DVD of full game 0 with sideline and base O-D-K cutups • Game reports, tendencies, statistics • Above & Beyond - Clips are copied to the laptop • Otherwise, DVD’s are duplicated • Game -1 & -2 from video exchange
Things to Bring – Game Operations • Team Bag • Balls • Kicking accessories • Wrist Coaches • Boards • 1st Aid kit • Tool kit with repair supplies • Walkie-Talkies • Kicking net • Water jugs • Decide where, when, and how to fill Video Operations • End zone system • Sideline system • Still camera system (optional)
Things to Bring: Computer • Mac laptop with TD Video (TDV) installed • Make sure the battery is fully charged before leaving • TDV Dongle • Power brick • Power strip • Pocket radios (3) with PTT headsets. To talk with the video operators
Thus spake the master Coach: It is time for you to leave.
