FILMING TIPS
Tip #1, use a tripod. Using a tripod is more important than having an expensive camera. It is very difficult to put together a professional video if the footage was filmed without a tripod. You can purchase an inexpensive tripod at any Walmart for $20. This particular tripod is great if you are filming while seated in bleachers where you can be somewhat elevated from the action. I do not recommend this or other similar height tripods for filming while standing on the sideline as it does not get your camera high enough. For filming from the sideline I recommend a taller tripod. This tall tripod is available at Walmart for about $35. I have used both of these tripods. These tripods are functional, but do not expect a long life from them as they are less durable than higher priced tripods. Best Buy has decent selection of tripods whereas Walmart only sells a few models. Typically, the higher the price the more durable and heavier the tripod.
If using a phone to film, most tripods will come with a phone mount. If not, there are several options available on Amazon.com. I have purchased this particular phone mount and it was less than $10.
You do not need an expensive camera to produce a great video for your athlete. You can accomplish this in most cases with a smartphone. They key to a great video is being in the right spot, close to the action. If using a smartphone and your athlete plays a sport like basketball and soccer where they are scoring on one side of the field/court for the entire half or period, it makes sense to set up your tripod on that side of the field and then switch at halftime as opposed to sitting at midfield. If you are in the bleachers you will probably be ok for basketball, but on full field sports you will be too far from the action when using a smart phone.
If the event is outdoors during the day, make every effort to set up your camera on the side of the field where the sun is to your back. If you are facing the sun the quality of the video will be diminished. This isn't always possible as some tournaments or schools will not allow you on the same side of the field as the players.
When using a camcorder I prefer to film from the bleachers about 10-20 rows up at the midfield line. This allows you to get the full game action. I have spoken with several college coaches who on top of highlight videos, like to watch full game videos to see a potential recruits actions throughout the game. Filming at midfield/court is the best option for a full game video. When using a camcorder and bleachers are not available I prefer to be at the middle of the field. This can be difficult if you do not plan ahead. At lacrosse and soccer tournaments it is usually a 50 minute game during an hour block and the middle of the field is usually the highest in demand. I usually bring a chair and just set up right behind where I want to be and wait for the other game to end and parents to clear out. I am then right where I want to be.