HOW TO FILM YOUR OWN GAME (AND NOT WASTE THE FOOTAGE)

Choose a useful, permitted angle

Follow the venue’s filming rules and keep walkways clear. An elevated position often helps show the play developing. Use an angle that keeps your athlete visible and identifiable; a safe sideline angle can also work. Avoid fences, spectators and other obstructions.

Keep the picture steady and follow the action

Hold the phone horizontally for the main reel. A stable tripod or phone mount helps, but steady handheld footage can still be usable. Frame wide enough to show context while keeping the athlete large enough to identify. Pan smoothly when the action moves out of frame and avoid rapid digital zoom.

Check the recording before the game

Record a short sample, then play it back. Check focus, lighting, storage and battery. In Settings → Camera → Record Video, choose an available resolution and frame rate. 1080p is a practical starting point; 60 fps can help with fast action in good light. 4K is also welcome if your storage and upload connection can handle the larger file.

In dim venues, compare a short 30 fps and 60 fps sample and keep the clearer result. Settings vary by iPhone model. See Apple’s recording settings guide.

Keep and share the original

Save the camera file and avoid repeatedly sending it through apps that compress video. Upload the original on your private order page or use a downloadable file-service link. Label games and segments with the date, opponent and part number. Each direct upload can be up to 5 GB; contact us about larger files.

Mark the clips or moments you want. Tape Review is optional if you want us to select plays from up to five full games. You can choose licensed stock music, camera audio only or silence for the reel.

Editing cannot recover action that is missing or an athlete who is too small to identify. Send us a sample for guidance if you are unsure. These are filming suggestions, not a guarantee that every phone recording will match a broadcast.