Tripod for video

So, I have a very basic Slik tripod that I occasionally use for still photos. Trying to do more with photos from the tripod, but my question is regarding tripod for video use. I have been assisting the track coach at the high school, letting them use one of my cameras, lens and tripod to film running event from the grandstand. This gives them a big picture view of the race as a teaching aid for the runners to show them strategy and such. Anyway, my basic tripod is sort of jerky and uneven when filming around the track (filming done by student athletes). Would a tripod with a video head make things much smoother? And if so, what is a decent one? I don't want to spend a ton of money on it.

Thanks for any input.

Cheap and good doesn’t work for video, especially tripod heads. Find a used Sachtler, Miller, or Cartoni fluid head. You’ll need a tripod that accepts the same size ball, usually either 100 or 75mm.

Thank you for the information. I don't know anything about video heads/tripods so all information is helpful.