How to film a basketball game with a phone
Five minutes before tip-off is all it takes. Follow these steps and the AI will see every shot.
Where to put the phone.
At the halfway line, on the side of the court, at the back of the stands if there are stands. Centred on the half-court line.
How high.
Two to three metres above the floor. Higher sees over the players in front; a tripod that reaches 2 metres, or a clamp on the stand railing, both work.
Framing.
Landscape. Both hoops fully in the picture, with a little floor beyond each baseline. Do not zoom during the game. The app shows a court outline to line up with.
Settings.
Do Not Disturb on. Screen brightness down to save battery. Plug in a power bank. Keep about 5 GB free. Close other apps.
During the game.
Tap the period button at each break. Do not move the tripod. If someone stands in front, ask them kindly to move; the AI needs to see the shooters.
Common mistakes.
- Filming in portrait. The court does not fit.
- Too low. Players in front hide the shots.
- One hoop cut off. Half the baskets are missed.
- Zooming in. The AI loses the court lines it uses to measure distance.
- Filming into a bright window. Players become silhouettes.
After the game.
Stop recording, hand the phone back. The video uploads by itself. The coach confirms jersey numbers and publishes.