Help with sports action shooting

[cobra jet]

I have been filming my son’s football games using my Sony TRV950 for a few years now. At the end of the season I make a small highlight DVD. One problem I have been having is that if I zoom in to capture that action up close (player fills about 1/4 or less of the screen the way me son likes like to watch it), I sometimes over shoot when I pan to capture a passing play missing the action. Lately, I have been zooming out to capture more of the field. This is helping me avoid the problem of missing plays, but now because I am not nearly as close, it does not look as exciting when viewing the highlights. Someone had suggested using a wide-angle lens to help me shoot more of the field but still make the players seem closer. Considering that I am not zooming out all of the way now, my guess is that it will not help unless I use a fisheye type lens.
Any suggestions of how I can film the action up close with out overshooting the passing plays (besides hiring someone that knows what he is doing)
Thanks

[filmboss80]

Watch how the TV networks cover football plays. They may begin with a tight shot on the quarterback or key player as they get to the line of scrimmage. There is a zoom to a wider view before the ball is snapped. As the play unfolds, stay on a wide shot until the ball is either passed across the field or handed off to a running back. Once that receiver/runner gets the ball, zoom in on him and follow him. When the play has ended, get a tight shot on that player who made the play. NEVER be zoomed in on a tight shot when the ball is in motion. That is what is messing you up. Again, watch how the TV networks do it.

Also -- keep BOTH eyes open when shooting; one on the viewfinder and one on the football field. Anticipate where the ball is going. When shooting wide, it is easier to follow where the ball is going.

One other thing: the wide angle view on your camcorder is sufficient. You do not need an additional wide angle lens for a football game. It would just make the players look like dots.

[cobra jet]

filmboss80,
Thanks for the info. I have tried to zoom in after the catch, but sometimes I zoom in too quickly causing motion sickness for the viewers on the big screen TV. I guess it will just take more practice .

Thanks
Mark

[filmboss80]

Yep, you'll just have to regulate the amount of pressure you put on that zoom button. Most of my sport shooting experience has been with pro cameras that either had nice variable speed zooms or manual-crank zooms that made it smooth and steady. In your situation, less is always more. You do not need to zoom from an extremely tight shot to an extremely wide shot. Start out in a mid position, then zoom out as the play gets underway. Once the receiver/runner gets the ball, try zooming slowly on him as you follow his movements. Indeed, fast, jerky zooms will have viewers going for the barf bag. Catch a college football game this Saturday to see their techniques. They usually follow the actual play with one camera, zooming smoothly in and out. It is only after the play that they cut between different cameras.