Making a Highlight Video - The Do’s and Don’ts!

Sending coaches a highlight video composed of your best clips from your game footage is a crucial step in the recruitment process. Below we have gathered our best tips that will help you put together a highlight video. We have also included some things to avoid while putting all your footage together.

Why are highlight videos important?

Highlight videos are important because they save coaches time by allowing them to quickly review hundreds of student-athletes without having to visit them in person. They also allow coaches to quickly evaluate if a player fits the type of athlete they are looking to recruit. This is why it is important to include your best clips that will grab the coach’s attention.

How do I get footage?

Options:

• Find out if your high school or club films the matches

• Ask your teammates if their families film the matches

• Rent/purchase a good camera and ask someone to film your matches

STEP 1: The Do’s and Don’ts in filming:

DO'S Footage from several games Get footage from multiple games throughout the season so you have a lot of content to choose from. View of the field Find a place to film where you have a clear view of the entire field or make sure the person filming is following the part of the pitch the ball is on.

DON'TS Shaky or blurry footage Don’t use footage that is shaky or blurry. This will limit the coach’s ability to evaluate you properly and they may move on to the next player. Don’t give them a reason to stop watching!

STEP 2: The Do’s and Don’ts in making the highlight reel:

DO'S Keep your video short Your video should be about three to five minutes. If the coach wants to see footage of the whole game they will request it. Place your best clips first Sometimes coaches won’t watch more than the first 30 seconds of your video. If you start out with strong highlights you increase your chance of capturing their attention. Use freeze frames and/or spot shadows Right before you make a play you should freeze the video and add a circle/arrow/spot shadow to identify yourself to the coach. Include footage from before and after the play Coaches aren’t just interested in the pass/shot etc; they also want to see a few seconds before and after the play to see your positioning, spatial awareness and communication. Provide detailed info in the beginning The first frame of the video should include your name, school, position, graduation year and contact information.

DON'TS No need for special effects or music Coaches are watching your highlights to evaluate you as a player so don’t distract them with special effects. If you want to include music make sure it has no profanity or bad words.

When and how do I send it out?

One of the simplest ways to get your highlight video out is through YouTube. After it’s uploaded you will be able to send the link to coaches.

Further steps:

Learn more by speaking with one of our TIRO recruiting specialists, or attending one of our events. Our events include a comprehensive education about how to navigate the recruiting process, while also putting you in direct contact with college coaches.