...how PiM is put together
To best use a program, you have to learn how it "thinks" conceptually. This page is a great place to start--just follow along from top to bottom.
...program features
When you're comfortable with the simple concepts presented here, you'll better appreciate the Features page.
Plays-in-Motion Part 1: The Overview Video
There's no better way to start introducing PiM than to watch the updated Overview video. It takes about 15 minutes to view and should load in less than a minute on a broadband connection.
When you finish, come back here for Part 2...
PiM Part 2: Concepts in review
The video introduced the ideas below; here's a review and a little more info. When you get done with this, you'll be ready to talk about PiM Features and that's on another page.
Arena
A generic term meaning 'area of play.' You can Orient the Arena to any of four (4) camera angles letting you view from either end or either side. Arena markings are optional but when visible, are appropriate for your sport.
Frames...
are Arena/player views you build as the play progresses. After the first Frame, you'll need about one Frame for each second of play duration.
For animation, you'll need two or more Frames. Printing may be done with any number of Frames, including just one. You don't have to animate in order to print! The Symbol tool (below) allows this option as well as drawing graphics in animated plays as well.
Positioning players is easy: just drag them with the mouse.
To add or move among Frames, click the Arena.
Animation...
occurs as the program moves players from one Frame position to the next. You get all the controls that video or film allow (e.g., Freeze-Frame, variable speed) plus a lot more, like Telestration.
Text
is optional and may be added for any of four purposes:
- Captions-entries appearing/printed within image (i.e., the Frame)
- Comments-entries printed beside the image
- Instructions-explanatory pop-up windows during animation
- Questions-quiz pop-up window during animation
Printing...
takes the Frames you created (plus any Caption, Comment, or Title text you entered) and puts them on paper.
First choose a Layout; that sets the number of Spots (images + Comments). Next, copy Frame(s) to the Spot(s). When you're finished, print the page.
Symbols...
are graphics you draw to supplement Frame images:
- Blocks / picks
- Pseudo "Tracking Lines" (if printing a one-Framed play)
- Miscellaneous imagery
- Geometric figures *
- Curves
- Shoe Prints *
Grid
To precisely control player positioning, a Grid is optionally provided within the Arena.
Arranged in rectangular or circular form, the array helps position objects by manual "eyeballing" or automatic "snapping." For an example of Snap-to-Grid, see the Features->Tools section which includes a video clip.
Present...
your plays in a variety of ways: individually in front of a PC; to a group using projection technology; via videotape, CD, DVD (using your own production means); as well as in printed form.
At home for an audience of 'one', a team, or a conference, there's nothing like PiM to help teach your athletes, your system.
