Coaching Football's "Little Things"

This will be short but important.
Several coaches have mailed me their game dvd’s and asked me to evaluate their offense for them. This is interesting and I learn a lot from watching other teams. One thing that I have noticed time and again that I want to point out as a “little thing” is instructing your videographer on how (s)he can help you the most as they film the game.
First and foremost is the proximity to the play. This will require you to spend some time with your videographer, critiquing the job they’ve done in the past. What you want to show them is how close or how far you want them to bring the lense in as a play unfolds. Make sure that they start the camera BEFORE the offense gets to the line! You need to have a wider angle as the offensive team is leaving the huddle so you can at least see what the defensive alignment looks like. Most teams do not have the benefit of the end zone camera angle… so the more you can see as the offense is setting up the better.
I would encourage you to tell your videographer to get the sticks every time between plays so you know Down and Distance before the play begins. As the offense sets on the ball, the camera angle needs to come in tighter— tight enough to see the O Line blocking but not so tight that you can’t see the play unfold. Again, this will take practice on the part of your filmer so work with them on this. Tape a couple of practices or use a pre season scrimmage to get it right.
Another key “little thing” when it comes to filming games. I mentioned down and distance but knowing the time and the score is also important in reviewing how the game flows. I want a shot of the scoreboard after every score. I also want a shot of the scoreboard at the end of each period and at the end of the game. This is important in knowing what is happening as the game unfolds.
Also, if your videographer has not been instructed, it is imporant for them to know that IF a fight breaks out on the field, they MUST keep the camera running. We have had ejections overturned after the commissioner and the principal met to view the game tape. With no visual evidence to support our contention, we may not have gotten the player back on the field for the next game. In that vein, also have the camera rolling while the referee gives his signal for whatever penalty just occurred and show the umpire walking off the penalty. Then go to the sideline again to show the sticks’ location.
All of this has to do with “self scouting.” When you break down your own game on Saturday, you need a running account of what is happening as the game progresses. It is very helpful to have all of these situations chronicled.