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What’s in thevolleyballanalyst’s Kit Bag (2019)?
What’s in thevolleyballanalyst’s Kit Bag?
For any volleyball analysts out there, below is what I normally take to a volleyball match.
1. Camcorder (+ Charger optional) The camcorder is the most important piece of equipment I have as a volleyball analyst. Video is such a powerful feedback tool for players and coaches. You get so much more information when you are able to re-watch something on film and you get the added benefit to stop, replay, slow down etc. You also need the match video if you are statting, whether to check your accuracy or to code after the match if you’re coaching or if issues arises on the day (I once had my laptop updating for 10-15 minutes during the NEZVA Women’s Club Championship Finals!!!)
You also want a camcorder that can compress the video to below 4GB. This is so you have one single video file. This makes things easier when in terms of syncing the stats to video in DataVolley. I use Canon Legria HF R57 High Definition Camcorder and is usually good for four sets. Five sets is when it goes over 4GB and onto the second video file.
I will occasionally bring my camcorder charger if I didn’t fully charge the battery the night before, or if I know I have to film several matches in a day, e.g. at a tournament.
2. Extra Capacity BatteryI also have an extra capacity battery so I am able to film the whole match. I find the standard battery usually die after 60-90 minutes. I could use a charger but I never know where the power outlets are in the sports hall (if any) and if I do need a power outlet, it usually takes me away from the ideal camcorder angle. 3. SD Card I also have a 32GB SD card so I can record up to 8 hours of video. Try to go for higher class, e.g. 10, so transfer of videos to the laptop is quicker.
4. Tripod A tripod is definitely needed to get that ideal camcorder angle. When I first started, I placed camcorders on chairs, benches and gym mats but it just doesn’t cut it. Invest in a decent tripod because cheap ones will break easily if a spiked ball hits it. But not too much as they can still break if players hit hard enough.
5. PVC Floor Marking Tape This is to tape down the tripod. Far too many times a spiked ball hits the tripod and nudges the camcorder to a different angle. Sometimes I see it and I have to rush over to fix it. This puts pressure on me to be back on the bench before the next rally starts. Sometimes I don’t see it and I can end up with filming half of the court. So tape it down. I would also use it to tape down wires so players don’t trip and in other unseen situations.
6. Laptop (+ Charger optional) The laptop is probably the second most important equipment a volleyball analyst will need. With the appropriate software, you will use it to collect match stats. The software I use is DataVolley. I also have DataVideo and Kinovea installed to enable me to live stream a match. I used to bring my laptop charger when because my previous laptop was quite old and the battery only lasted 1.5 sets or so. Now I have my new laptop and it’ll last a whole match. However, I will probably still bring my laptop charger if I need to continue working on the laptop after the match, e.g. stat-checking the scout.
7. DataVolley USB Licence Key This is needed to open the DataVolley and DataVideo. I normally give it up in a sunglasses pouch so it doesn’t scratch up.
8. External USB Webcam I use the webcam so I can delay stream the match on my laptop. This enables me to rewatch any missed action. This is particular useful see who got the block kill or block error or if I missed the point ending action because I was looking at my keyboard. DataVideo has a 10 second delay but can malfunction and screws with DataVolley. I tend to go with Kinovea as it doesn’t mess with DataVolley and I can adjust how many seconds delay (I like a 7 second delay).
What About a Weekend Trip?
I may bring some additional things if I have multiple matches over a weekend.
9. Twenty-Five Metre Extension ReelIf you have multiple matches in a day (e.g. at a tournament) then you’ll need an extension reel to charge up your camcorder and laptop. I might need a second extension reel if I am filming from the back of the court and if I am statting on the bench. You want a long extension reel so the power can get from the power mains to the bench and/ or the back of the court, as you may never know where the power mains would be at a venue.
If you have back to back matches over a weekend then it’s useful to have a four way lead to charge up your equipment overnight (laptop, camcorder, phone etc) as some hotel rooms may only have one power main socket.
10. HDMI Cables (+ PC Cable optional) I may need a HDMI cable to connect the laptop to a television or projector for any pre-match video preparation or to show the players a motivational video, like the one below. You may bring a PC Cable as a backup as some older televisions or projectors do not have a HDMI connection or you only have access to an older computer monitor.
11. Mouse You will probably have to check the DataVolley scout back in the hotel and it is much easier to use a mouse rather than the track pad.
What About a SideOut Beach Volleyball Camp?
I will bring more things for a SideOut Beach Volleyball Camp. The aim is usually technique analysis and to edit a SideOut Camp video.
12. Extra Camcorder(s) + Charger(s) + SD Card(s) + Tripod(s) I would also take an extra camcorder and charger. I would need two different angles if I was analysing technique. I could also use one to film matches and the other to film other things. You also need to bring a charger, a second SD card and a second tripod.
13. Camera + Charger + SD Card This is just to take photos. I could also use it as a video recorder if I needed a third angle for technique analysis. I also have a 128GB SD card because I do take a lot of photos.
14. Video Stabiliser/ Gimbal + GoPro Adapter This is so I can get smooth, stablised shots for when I edit the camp videos. It makes a big difference rather than the shaky handheld shots. It is used for phones. I also got a GoPro adapter for GoPro use.
15. Extra Extension Lead I also have a second extension lead to charge up all my equipment. It just gives me a second option if I need it. For example, I may use the 25m extension reel on the field and leave the smaller extension lead inside.
16. Power Bank + Charging Cables Good on the field for charging phones or the video stabiliser. Also, somebody will always need their phone charging.
17. Plug Adaptors Obviously needed when going abroad.
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