camera angle

[lendl lives]

do you guys think the networks could do a better job using camera angles to give us viewers a better feel for the game? i like the one where they shoot directly behind the reciever on serve.

[chad shaver]

That's a great angle, I agree. They tried that before, with a camera that went side to side behind the player, but I think that the movement really distracted them.

The first time I ever saw that angle was a clay court match between Sampras and Stich. I NEVER realized how much movement was on their serves (much less the speed) until I saw that angle. Absolutely amazing view.

[thejerk]

I am a professional cameraman and I agree with you. Tennis fans would love to see angles that show ball movement. The stock angle is being lazy. What are those cameras behind the players for anyway?

[AAAA]

Lendl, Those static camera angles behind the receiver on serve were used years ago at some tournaments but I believe the angle was deemed inappropriate for tennis when women's attire changed during the late 80s/early 90s.

As Chad said you appreciate both the ball and the receiver's movement much more.

It's a 'more' live experience.

[lendl lives]

lol, when is ana's next match!

[Hyperstate]

Angle behind the receiver is great. My pet peeve now is that the cameras are going crazy zipping from one to another. I mean, close-ups of the server's face deep in concentration is good, but they're too slow in moving to the wide angle one behind the server. I can't see the full service motion, from preparation to execution, and hence am unable to learn from some of my fav servers. If only they would go to the wide angle shot just 2 seconds earlier.

[@wright]

I think a side-view of a playing returning serve would be cool. You'd get a good sense of kick serves and the sheer power of the serves.

[lendl lives]

yes! we do not need to see close ups of facial expressions everyother point

[StewieGriffin]

Yeah... I believe the Behind-the-player angle is great... New-comers usually underestimate the skill level involved with playing tennis, and they don't realize how hard the balls are struck and the effect of spins... People really don't appreciate these elements with the normal high-angle view.

You guys should go to ESPN.com and go to the tennis message boards and post your opinions on this. I have.

More use of this camera angle might increase the popularity of tennis.

[Kobble]

Yes, it is a great angle. It allows you to see the action from your usual on court point of view. You almost get the feeling of being on court with them.

[TheNatural]

They do use the low angle'behind the player cam' for some rallies.

Mabe they only send you limited camera angles and save all the best cameras for the local footage only.

Do you get the new super slow motion shots?(500 frames per second)or is it just for local coverage? You get a very good view of the full service motion and the return of serve side on.