Game-day workflow for one person

The simple one-person game flow

This page is your “do it in order” routine for running a broadcast-quality stream by yourself—camera + scoreboard—without getting pulled away from the game.

Save this page and follow it like a checklist on game day. After 1–2 games, it becomes muscle memory.

1) Arrive (2–5 minutes early)

  • Pick your spot: aim for a clear view of the whole field/court and minimal people walking in front of you.
  • Place the phone at “game-height”: high enough to see plays develop (not just close-ups).
  • Think ahead about breaks: know where you’ll point the camera during timeouts (bench, scoreboard, wide shot).
If you’re streaming youth sports, the best “easy win” is a steady wide shot. Your viewers would rather see the play than a shaky close-up.

2) Set up (quick, no fuss)

Use your usual one-person setup (one phone, two phones, or phone + laptop). The goal is the same: you can keep the camera steady while still updating the scoreboard quickly.

  • Teams: set home/away names (and colors if you use them).
  • Scoreboard: make sure it’s turned on and looks right on your preview.
  • Framing: can you see the full playing area you need?
  • Audio: not blocked by a case, glove, or jacket sleeve.
  • Connection indicator: confirm you’re not starting in a weak-signal spot.
Don’t wait to “fix it after you go live.” Most issues (cropped view, muted audio, scoreboard off) are fastest to correct before you start the stream.

3) Go live (start cleanly)

Tap Go Live (or Start) and keep the camera steady on a wide shot.

Give viewers a stable picture while the stream “settles.” Avoid quick pans right at the start.

Glance at your preview: the scoreboard should be on-screen and readable. If something looks off, fix it now before gameplay begins.

If you want a simple “broadcast feel,” start on a wide shot of the field/court for a few seconds before the first play.

4) Update the scoreboard during play (minimal taps)

Your priority is keeping the action in frame. Scoreboard updates should be fast and predictable.

Default rhythm that works for most parents

  • Update at natural pauses: after a goal, end of a play, foul, whistle, or when the ball is out of bounds.
  • Don’t chase perfection mid-play: if you miss a quick update, keep filming and correct it at the next pause.
  • Make one change at a time: score first, then period/quarter/time (if you use them).
When you’re alone, “camera first” is always the right choice. Viewers forgive a scoreboard that updates 10 seconds late; they won’t forgive missing the goal.

When a scoring play happens

Stay wide. This is when viewers want to see reactions, the ref signal, and the reset.

Make the score change quickly and move on. If you’re not 100% sure, wait for the official confirmation rather than guessing.

This page stays focused on the game-day flow. For speed techniques and one-handed habits, see the separate “Fast updates during play” page.

5) Intermission / timeout (keep the stream professional)

Breaks are where most first-time streamers accidentally lose viewers. The fix is simple: keep the stream stable, keep audio clean, and give people something consistent to look at.

  • Option A (simple): keep a wide shot of the field/court.
  • Option B (nice): aim at the venue scoreboard or a calm wide shot of the teams.
  • Confirm score and (if you use it) period/quarter.
  • Adjust framing if you drifted during play.
  • Check battery/heat briefly and keep the phone shaded if needed.

If you expect a short break, staying live is easiest. If it’s a longer intermission, pausing can reduce viewer confusion and keeps your stream tidy.

Avoid long stretches of filming the ground, your lap, or conversations right next to the phone. If you need to move or talk privately, use your app’s pause option.

6) Wrap up (end cleanly and confidently)

Ending well makes your stream feel “official” and helps viewers trust they didn’t miss anything.

Double-check the score is correct before you end. If you show period/quarter, make sure it matches the end of the game.

Keep the camera stable for 5–10 seconds (handshakes, team huddle, or a wide shot). This gives a satisfying finish for viewers.

Tap End (or Stop) and wait for the app to confirm the stream is finished before you close it.

Don’t close the app or lock your phone as your “end.” Always use the in-app End control so the stream stops cleanly and saves properly.

Quick game-day mantra

  • Wide and steady beats fancy.
  • Camera first, scoreboard second.
  • Fix things at pauses, not mid-play.
  • End cleanly so viewers know it’s over.

Keep the action in frame. If you have to choose between filming a key play and updating the scoreboard instantly, keep filming. Update the scoreboard at the next whistle or stoppage.

Use a stable wide shot of the field/court, or point at the venue scoreboard if it’s readable. Avoid pointing at the ground or walking with the camera unless you pause.

Final score correct, 5–10 seconds of a steady closing shot, then end the stream inside the app. That’s it.

A fast pre-game list: power, mount, connection, and a quick A/V check. Detailed guidance for breaks, intermission, and ending your broadcast cleanly. Turn on the scoreboard, set teams, and keep score with confidence.