How to Create a Skills Video

Softball Skills Video Instructions

 

(The following information about how to correctly shoot a softball skills video was collected from the NCSA website. For more information you can go to their website at http://www.ncsasports.org/)

 

Instructions - It is important you thoroughly read the video instructions so you can produce the best athletic skills video possible. This information does not cover video editing best practices but we will cover that in another article soon. In this day and age you do not have to have your skills video professionally shot or edited. It can even be done using cell phone video applications. As long as you have a tripod for shooting stability and you are using HD quality video you can produce and edit your softball skills video yourself. With that said and if your budget will allow you can find affordable sources to shoot and edit your daughter’s skills video. Check our resources page for more information.

What Type of Footage

  • Skills Footage Only
  • Acceptable formats: DVD, .mov, .avi, .mp4, .mpeg, .wmv, .mts, .m2ts, .m4v, .vob, .mod, YouSendIt files, USB
  • Unacceptable formats: Windows Movie Maker, MP4 (ITunes), VRO.Movie, CD, VHS, HI-8, Mini DV Tape.
  • Always test your DVD on your computer AND a DVD player to be sure it plays.

 

How to Film

  • A tripod is highly recommended.
  • Ideally, station the camera 5 feet off the ground.
  • The camera view should not be obstructed (backstop or fence).
  • Do not move the camera back and forth. Get the angle from a wide view if necessary.
  • Focus on the player being taped so that they are clear and in focus, but not too close!

Information Based on Position

Indoor footage is acceptable!

Hitting:

  • The pitcher should throw batting practice type fastballs OR use a pitching machine
  • If live pitching is not available you can hit off front toss.
  • Footage should be filmed either outside on a diamond or in a cage.
  • With camera angle behind the catcher area film (10 swings)
  • With camera angle 5 ft. directly to the right of the plate for right-handed hitters or left of the plate for left handed hitters, film (10 swings)

 

Base Running:

Footage should be filmed either outside on a diamond or in a cage. With Camera angle from 3B side of home plate (to show running form):

  • Take a swing and run through 1B. 
  • Take a swing and run for a home run. (Sliding into home is optional).

 

Pitchers:

  • Begin recording these pitches AFTER a complete warm-up
  • RHP camera angle should be set up 3 ft. to the right and 5 ft. behind the mound to be able to see ball movement. LHP should be to the left.
  • We must be able to see the catcher catch the ball at all times.

With camera angle positioned 3 ft. directly behind catcher and for half AND from the open side of pitcher for half:

  • Log 20 varied pitches, with fastball at least 5 of them.
  • Go through each pitch: Rise, Drop, Curve, etc. (approx. 5-6 each pitch).
  • Log 20 mix your pitches, with fastball being at least 5 of them.

 

Infielders (SS & 2B):

Regardless if you are a SS or 2B, you will need to take your groundballs at SS in order to maximize range and arm strength.

With camera angle positioned 4 ft. to the left of the mound for half AND 4 ft. behind 1B for half.

  • 4 Groundballs hit directly at you
  • 4 Groundballs hit 8-10 feet to your left.
  • 4 Groundballs hit 8-10 feet to your right.
  • 4 Slow Choppers hit directly at you

With camera angle positioned 2 ft. behind the mound for the first 4 shots AND 4 ft. behind 1B for last 2 shots

  • Execute Double plays - 6 Feeds from the 2B coming across the bag and making the throw to 1B. With camera angle positioned 2 ft. behind the mound, show fielding from SS position and throw to 2B.
  • 2 ground balls hit directly at you.
  • 2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your right.
  • 2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your left.

 

Infielders(3B):

With camera angle positioned 4 ft. to the left of the mound for half AND 4 ft. behind 1B for half.

  • 4 Groundballs hit directly at you.
  • 4 Groundballs hit directly to your left.
  • 4 Groundballs hit directly to your right/backhand.
  • 4 Slow Choppers hit directly at you.

 

Catchers:

  • With camera angle 10ft in front of the catcher - Framing Pitches (4 pitches on each corner).
  • With camera angle positioned 2 ft. to the left and 5 ft. in front of the mound - Blocking Pitches (4 directly in front of you, 4 to your left, 4 to your right).
  • With camera angle positioned 3ft. behind the 2B for half AND 2 ft. behind the catcher for half - Pop and Throws to 2B (5 throws).
  • With camera angle positioned 3ft. behind the 3B for 4 throws AND 2 ft. behind the catcher for 2 throws - Pop and Throws to 3B (3 throws).
  • With camera angle positioned 3 ft. behind the plate for 2 throws AND 3 ft. to the right of the 1B for 2 throws - Mock Bunts and Throws to 1B (2 balls up the 1B line, 2 balls up the 3B line).

 

Outfielders:

For all outfielders, regardless of whether you are a CF, RF, or LF, you will need to take your groundballs and fly balls in centerfield.

With camera angle positioned halfway between 2B and the mound:

  • 2 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to 2B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to 2B.
  • 2 ground balls hit to your left and thrown to 2B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly to your left and thrown to 2B.
  • 2 ground balls hit to your right and thrown to 2B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly to your right and thrown to 2B.

Camera angle should be positioned directly behind 3B:

  • 2 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to 3B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to 3B.
  • 2 ground balls hit to your left and thrown to 3B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly to your left and thrown to 3B.
  • 2 ground balls hit to your right and thrown to 3B.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly to your right and thrown to 3B.

Camera angle should be directly behind the catcher:

  • 2 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to home plate.
  • 2 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to home plate.
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