Basketball Camera Placement Guide
Discover the Art and Science of Broadcasting Basketball
From the roar of the crowd to the slow-motion slam dunks and courtside reactions, televised basketball is a carefully choreographed production. Whether it’s the NBA, March Madness, or high school tournaments, fans have come to expect cinematic coverage that captures the energy of the game from every angle.
But how does it all come together?
In this in-depth video, we reveal how basketball games are filmed for television and streaming platforms—breaking down the essential camera positions, how directors use them, and what each angle contributes to the live experience.
Where to Place Cameras for Basketball
🎥 Camera 1: Game Cam – The wide shot that covers the court and sets the foundation
🔍 Camera 2: High Tight – Focused, replay-friendly coverage of key moments
📐 Camera 3: Slash – Storytelling shots from courtside angles
🏃 Cameras 4 & 5: Handhelds – In-the-action shots, huddle moments & announcer close-ups
🤖 Bonus: PTZ, Robo, Marshall & Steadicam setups – Specialized shots that elevate high-end broadcasts
🏀 Pro Tips for Remote Camera Operators – Using presets, digital zoom, and storytelling cues
🎓 Use Cases Beyond Pro Games – How schools, colleges, and youth leagues can level up their productions
Core 3-Camera Setup (Ideal for Small Teams or Solo Operators)
📍 Camera 1 – Game Cam (aka “Main Cam”)
Position: Elevated center court, wide angle
Primary Use:
Captures full-court action
Stays live for the majority of the broadcast
Shows ball movement, team formations, and overall flow of the game
🔍 Camera 2 – High Tight
Position: Near Game Cam, tighter zoom from center court
Primary Use:
Replay angles for fouls, key plays, and iso shots
Reaction shots during timeouts and breaks
📐 Camera 3 – Slash Cam
Position: Courtside, angled view near the basket
Primary Use:
Secondary storytelling and reaction camera
Complements Cam 2 with alternate angles
Additional “Hero” coverage
Expanded Production Setup (For Full Broadcast Teams)
🏃 Cameras 4 & 5 – Handhelds
Position: Under each basket, shoulder-mounted or gimbal
Primary Use:
Creative close-ups of gameplay near the rim
“In the huddle” shots during timeouts
Live announcer coverage and courtside interviews
🤖 Bonus: Specialty & Add-On Cameras
Fixed / PTZ / Robo Cams:
Mounted behind backboards for “dunk cam” angles
Used as unmanned wide or iso cameras for budget-conscious broadcasts
Basketball Live Streaming Setup! vMix, Instant Replay, PTZ Controls and More
Discover how Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Delaware, built a cutting-edge multi-camera basketball live streaming system! This student-run production setup uses PTZOptics Move 4K cameras, vMix for live switching & instant replay, and NewBlue FX for graphics—giving students hands-on experience in sports broadcasting. With NDI connectivity, cameras are controlled remotely using the SuperJoy joystick, allowing seamless tracking of fast-paced action. The system even supports 4K recording for highlight reels, enhanced in Adobe Premiere for player spotlights and college recruitment videos.
