Sports videography: How to Shoot Football Games like a pro

It doesn't matter what type of camera you have unless you don't know how to use it. This lesson runs through the various camera types and what to be aware of regardless of which camera you're shooting a game with.

What can be more important than the camera?  Your tripod.  Without it, it's unlikely you can do the job well. Here are the guidelines to see if yours if up to the task.

Can't see your viewfinder in the bright sun? Only have one hand free to shoot because you're holding an umbrella?  This section shows you the ideal accessories that could come in very, very handy.

Although these items are not vital to shooting football, all of them can certainly help. It'd be wise to have some or all in your camera bag when arriving for a game.

Don't show up and expect to shoot; there is plenty to do.

Finding the proper place to set up makes a big difference in how your footage looks. Let this lesson serve as your GPS for where to go.

Setting up your tripod involves more than just standing it up. You can tweak its settings to be sure you are primed to use it well. Don't believe it? Watch.

Don't expect to show up and let your camera run for three hours straight. The concept of in-camera editingallows for a crisp final product as soon as the game is over. Get the basics before we (finally) dive in to capturing some game action.

You'll need to be rolling before the snap, and you'll also need to frame the players properly. Here's how to handle of the pre-snap activities.

When a running back gets his hands on the ball, you must track him smoothly and with the ability to see those around him. Here are the specifics.

This may be the most difficult part of filming football. But you'll use anticipation and the quarterback's body language to capture passes of all lengths perfectly.

Follow the ball, right?  Not so fast.  You must also follow the blockers, and this section will show you how to get both in one smooth shot.

You can't shoot a 20-yard field goal the same way as a 50-yarder.  This section will unlock 30 yards of knowledge.

What seems like the easiest play in the book is the one that gets screwed up most often. What's the biggest mistake, and how do you handle high hang-time kicks vs line drives?

Gotta love the refs.  Well, maybe the players don't, but here's why you have to show them some love in the course of your game filming.

When to give viewers a look at the scoreboard - even if it's not working.

Really?  Yes, really.  It's not a requirement, but deciding when to communicate down & distance information turns out to be very helpful to a coaching staff or viewer.

Finally, some additional actions you should consider capturing (no, we're not talking about the cheerleaders).

It's raining, it's pouring, your camera is... still going to be running. Keep it dry and learn some other techniques to keep filming without missing a beat.

Can't get elevated or centered?  Or is the sideline where you've been told to be?  Here are some guidelines for footage from down below.

When you have to be under the goalposts, the end zone angle has some specific rules.

We summarize the biggest takeaways from the course and give some pointers on what to do with the footage when the game is over.

Congratulations for making it this far!