Sophi's DIY Sports & Activities Edit Contest
Make a short edited video showing three DIY backyard sports activities using phone clips, simple edits, and captions to enter a friendly contest.
About this activity
Make a short edited video showing three DIY backyard sports activities using phone clips, simple edits, and captions to enter a friendly contest.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose three different DIY backyard sports activities you can show in one short video.
- 2
Step 2
Write one short rule and one winning move for each activity on your paper.
- 3
Step 3
Set up the backyard areas and place the props for all three activities.
- 4
Step 4
Do one quick practice run of each activity to make sure they work and are fun.
- 5
Step 5
Record a 10 to 20 second clip of Activity 1 showing the start and the winning moment.
- 6
Step 6
Record a 10 to 20 second clip of Activity 2 showing the start and the winning moment.
- 7
Step 7
Record a 10 to 20 second clip of Activity 3 showing the start and the winning moment.
- 8
Step 8
Open a simple video editing app and import your three clips into a new project.
- 9
Step 9
Trim each clip so it shows the most exciting 5 to 12 seconds.
- 10
Step 10
Add a title card at the start with the contest name and your name.
- 11
Step 11
Add a short caption to each clip naming the activity and giving one quick tip.
- 12
Step 12
Add simple transitions between the clips to make the video flow.
- 13
Step 13
Add a fun background music track and set the music volume low so sounds can be heard.
- 14
Step 14
Export and save your finished video to your device.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org to enter Sophi's DIY Sports & Activities Edit Contest.
Fun facts
How do I make the short edited video for Sophi's DIY Sports & Activities Edit Contest?
Plan three simple backyard sports activities, gather props, then record short phone clips for each activity (5–15 seconds each). Film wide and close-up shots, keep lighting steady, and capture action from different angles. Use an easy editing app to trim, order clips, add brief captions naming each activity, child-friendly music, and smooth transitions. Export in the contest’s required format and follow submission instructions to enter.
What materials and apps do I need to create the contest video?
You’ll need a smartphone with enough storage and battery, a tripod or phone holder for steady shots, and a simple editing app (e.g., iMovie, CapCut, InShot). Basic props like cones, balls, socks, hula hoop, chalk and tape work well. Bring sun protection, water, a small first-aid kit, and an adult helper. Optional: an external mic, extra charging cable, and spare memory card.
What ages is Sophi's DIY Sports & Activities Edit Contest suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range of ages. Kids around 6–12 can participate with some adult guidance for planning and editing. Younger children (3–5) can join with caregiver-filmed clips while older kids (10+) can storyboard and edit independently. Adjust activity difficulty and supervision level for safety and skill, and let each child contribute at a level that builds confidence and fun.
What safety tips should we follow while filming backyard sports?
Check the yard for hazards, clear hard objects, and use soft landing surfaces where possible. Choose age-appropriate props, provide helmets or pads for risky moves, and keep children hydrated and shaded. Supervise at all times, use a phone strap to prevent drops, and avoid filming in direct midday sun. For privacy, don’t share personal details in captions and get permission before posting others’ faces.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the exact props or a tripod mentioned in the instructions?
If you don't have cones or sport props, use plastic bottles, stuffed socks, or rolled towels for the backyard areas and prop your phone on a stack of books or a beanbag instead of a tripod when recording clips to import into your editing app.
What should we do if a practice run or recording doesn't show a clear winning moment or the clip is shaky?
If a practice run shows props falling or a shaky recording, secure or weight the props, stabilize the phone with a heavier base, then re-record and trim the clip in the editor so the clear winning moment fits the 5–12 second target.
How can we adapt the contest steps and activities for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, pick simpler activities with soft props, write one short rule and a single easy winning move per activity, and trim clips to 5–8 seconds, while older kids can add harder winning moves, longer clips up to 20 seconds, and more detailed captions and transitions.
What are quick ways to make the final edit more polished or personal before exporting and sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance the video, create a custom title card with the contest name and your name, splice in a slow‑motion or second‑angle shot of each winning move into the trimmed 5–12 second clips, add low‑volume background music and short captions, and include a fun final scoreboard graphic before exporting.