One-phone setup (single streamer)
What “one-handed” means in real life
This setup is for the parent doing everything: keeping the camera steady, updating the score, and handling quick controls—without feeling like you’re juggling settings.
The goal is simple: stay on the action and use quick taps for the few things you’ll do during a game.
Set yourself up for easy one-handed control
- Hold the phone the same way all game. Pick a grip that feels stable and stick with it.
- Keep your “tap zones” reachable. Position the phone so your thumb naturally reaches the main buttons (score, period/quarter, mute).
- Make the scoreboard do the work. Turn it on and set it once so you’re not adjusting during play.
One-handed game flow (minimal taps)
Before the game begins, open your stream view with the scoreboard already visible and correct. You want to avoid switching between different screens once play starts.
- Confirm both teams are correct.
- Confirm the scoreboard is turned on and positioned the way you like.
- Do a quick glance at audio status (so you don’t accidentally stream muted).
When something changes (goal/point, period/quarter, timeout), update it quickly and return your focus to the camera.
- Score: tap the team’s +1 (or the app’s main increment button).
- Undo: if you mis-tap, use the app’s Undo or -1 right away.
- Clock/period: only adjust at natural breaks (between plays, not mid-action).
Use halftime/intermission to fix anything that drifted: score check, period/quarter check, and a quick audio check.
- Verify the score matches the official scoreboard.
- Adjust period/quarter if needed.
- Re-center your shot if the camera angle has slowly drifted.
Make the scoreboard easy to hit (without looking)
The best one-handed experience is when you can update the score by muscle memory.
- Use the simplest scoring buttons. Keep the main “add point” action as your default.
- Avoid tiny targets. If there’s a choice of compact vs. large controls, choose large.
- Keep updates consistent. Always update the same way (for example: always tap Home first, then Away) so you don’t hesitate.
One-handed camera control that looks “broadcast quality”
- Pan slower than you think. Smooth movement looks more professional and is easier for viewers to follow.
- Use small thumb movements. Big arm movements cause shaky video—especially when you’re also tapping controls.
- Re-center during stoppages. When play pauses, reset framing so you’re ready for the next rush/play.
Basic controls you’ll actually use (and when)
To keep things simple, treat your stream like a real broadcast: most of the time you just keep filming. Use controls only at clear moments.
Use mute for private conversations near the phone or during long breaks when you don’t want background chatter on the stream. Unmute before play resumes.
If you want the simplest experience, keep the stream running during short breaks and just hold a steady wide shot. For longer intermissions, you can pause if you prefer.
Don’t panic—update the scoreboard at the next safe moment. Viewers would rather see the play than watch you tap menus.
- Keep filming.
- Update score at the next stoppage.
- If you’re unsure, wait and confirm with the official scoreboard first.
Quick “minimal effort” rules to remember
- Camera first, always. If you can’t do both, keep the shot steady and update later.
- One change at a time. Score first, then period/clock later—avoid multi-step changes during play.
- Fix mistakes immediately. If you mis-tap, undo right away while it’s obvious.