FAQ

Everything you need to know before you hit record — equipment, positioning, rules, and more.

Recording Basics & Equipment

Do I need special equipment?

No. Most smartphones already shoot in HD, which is more than enough. Prop your phone up rather than holding it — a tripod or phone mount is ideal, but a fence, bag, or bleacher works fine too. A steady shot matters more than a fancy camera.

Where should I put the camera for Stroke Analysis?

For Stroke Analysis, we want to see your stroke from multiple angles. Three views are ideal: from the front, facing you directly; from the side, standing on the sideline level with you; and from the baseline, standing directly behind you on your own end. A fourth angle, from the opposite sideline behind you, is optional and usually not necessary. Landscape orientation only, since vertical video loses too much context.

Want several angles without several files? See the pause-and-resume tip below.

Camera positions for Stroke Analysis Top-down view of a player at the baseline. Camera 1 is in front of the player, camera 2 is on the sideline level with the player, camera 3 is directly behind the player on their own end, and optional camera 4 is on the opposite sideline. Net Baseline You 1 2 3 4
  1. Front — facing you directly
  2. Side — on the sideline, level with you
  3. Baseline — directly behind you, on your own end
  4. Opposite sideline (optional) — the mirror of the side angle

Does it matter how I generate the shots for Stroke Analysis?

Not at all. Whether you're hitting with a partner, hitting against a wall, or using a ball machine, any of these work fine. What matters is getting a clean view of your stroke.

How can I capture more than one angle in a single video?

Each order takes one video, but your phone's pause feature lets you fit several angles into that one file. Start recording from your first angle, tap pause, move your phone to the next position, then tap resume. Repeat for each angle. Nothing is recorded while paused, so everything comes out as one continuous video.

On iPhone, the pause button appears on screen while you're recording video in the Camera app, and most Android camera apps have a similar button. If you don't see one, your camera app may not support it — just submit your best single angle instead. Keep an eye on the total length: the whole file has to fit the program limit, which is 5 minutes for Stroke Analysis.

Do I need someone to film for me?

Not necessarily. A tripod or phone mount lets you set up beforehand and let it run on its own. If a coach, hitting partner, or friend can film for you, that's a bonus, but it isn't required for either program.

Does the audio or sound quality matter?

No. The analysis is entirely visual. Wind, court noise, or no sound at all won't affect anything.

What if I can't get everything into one file?

That's fine — submit whichever clip you have. For Stroke Analysis, a few minutes of clean reps is plenty. For Match Breakdown, more complete footage gives a fuller picture, but partial footage still works.

Match Breakdown Camera Position

Where should I put the camera for a Match Breakdown?

For Match Breakdown, we want a wide view of the entire court. The best setup is an elevated position at the back of the court, ideally mounted at the top of the fence, so the camera can see both baselines and the full width of the court. Try to also capture some space behind each baseline, both the end closest to the camera and the far end, since that extra room helps show the full shot, not just where it lands. If a straight-on view isn't possible, a slight angle from a back corner works too, as long as the whole court and the space behind both baselines stay in frame. Landscape orientation only.

Best: high, straight down the court

Camera position for Match Breakdown Side view of a tennis court. The camera is mounted high on the back fence and looks down the court, so the whole court and the space behind both baselines are in frame. Whole court in frame 1 2 3

Also fine: a slight angle from a back corner

Angled camera position for Match Breakdown Top-down view of a tennis court inside a fence. The camera sits high in a back corner and looks diagonally across the court, so the whole court and the space behind both baselines stay in frame. Whole court in frame 1 2 3
  1. Camera — up high, ideally on the fence
  2. Space behind the near baseline — in frame
  3. Space behind the far baseline — in frame

Recording Rules & Permissions

Can I record my own match?

There isn't one universal rule — it depends on your section, the level of play, and whether it's a sanctioned tournament, league match, or practice set. Casual play, practice sets, and most league matches are typically unrestricted. Tournament rules can be more specific: for example, USTA New England requires advance consent from both the tournament and your opponent's parent/guardian before recording junior sanctioned matches, and any recording has to stay unobtrusive and at a reasonable distance.

Do I need my opponent's permission?

Even where it isn't strictly required, asking your opponent (or, for a junior match, their parent/guardian) before you start filming is the courteous move, and it avoids any mid-match confusion or objection.

Does UTR have a rule against recording?

No. UTR is a rating system — it imports match scores and results, and doesn't set rules about recording. Any restriction you run into comes from whoever's running the event, not from UTR itself.

What should I do if I'm not sure?

When in doubt, ask the tournament director or facility ahead of time. Rules vary by section and can change, so it's always worth checking before you show up expecting to film.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. For anything specific to your tournament or section, confirm directly with the organizer.

Using Your Account

How do I upload my video?

From your dashboard, tap Upload Footage on your order. You can upload a file straight from your phone or computer (up to 5 GB), or paste a link to a video hosted somewhere else. Before you submit, tell me how to find you in the video, like "navy shirt, far side of the court." You can also add anything you'd like me to focus on. Keep the page open until the upload finishes. If your connection drops partway through, tap Try Again and it picks up where it left off. You'll get a confirmation email once your footage is in.

Can I replace my footage if I uploaded the wrong video?

Yes, as long as I haven't started reviewing it. Go to your dashboard and tap Replace Footage on your order, then submit the new video or link. Once review begins, the footage is locked. If you need a change at that point, email support@offcourtedge.com.

How will I know my markup video is ready?

You'll get an email as soon as it's ready, within 48 hours of your upload. Then go to your dashboard and tap Watch Your Video on your order. You can also download a copy from that page.

How do I schedule my call?

Your call is booked from the same page as your markup video. Watch the video first, then pick a time that works for you in the scheduler below it. You'll get a confirmation email with your join link. If something comes up, use the Need to Reschedule button on that same page. If you can't find a time that works for you, email support@offcourtedge.com to request a specific day and time.

Where do I find my action plan?

After our call, I'll send your written action plan as a PDF, and you'll get an email when it's ready. It's always available on your dashboard under Completed, so you can download it anytime. Your markup video stays available there too.

How does a Doubles Match Breakdown work with my partner?

One partner places the order and enters the other's email. Your partner gets an invite to create their own account and pay their share. Once they've joined, either of you can upload the match footage, and it's shared between you. You'll both get the markup video. The partner who placed the order books the call, and it shows up for both of you. Each of you gets your own action plan. If your partner hasn't seen the invite, use the Resend Invite button on your dashboard.

How do I use my Edge Up credit?

When your monthly credit is available, it shows up at the top of your dashboard. Choose Stroke Analysis, Match Breakdown, or Match Breakdown — Doubles, and the process from there is the same as any other order. Unused credits stay valid for 4 months from the month they're issued. Edge Up calls are capped at 30 minutes.

General Questions

What if my video came out sideways?

Landscape is best, but if that's all you have, send it anyway — we can still work with it.

Can I submit a link instead of uploading a file?

Yes. On the upload page you can either upload a file directly or paste a link to footage hosted elsewhere. If the link is private, include the password in your notes at upload.

How long should my video be?

For Stroke Analysis, up to 5 minutes is plenty. For Match Breakdown, up to 20 minutes or 5 games, whichever comes first. There's no strict minimum — even a short, clean clip is enough to work with, especially for Stroke Analysis.

Do I need to say anything in the video?

No script needed — just describe what you're wearing and, for match footage, which side of the court you start on when you upload, so I know exactly who to watch.

What if I have a question that isn't answered here?

Reach out anytime at support@offcourtedge.com.

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