how to make a highlight video for recruiting
In the fast-paced world of college recruiting, you often only get one shot to make a first impression. For most college coaches, that first impression comes in the form of your highlight video. Think of it as your personal movie trailer—it needs to be exciting, show your best moments, and make the viewer (the coach) want to see the full feature (you, in person or on an official visit). A well-made highlight video can open doors, get you on a coach's radar, and potentially lead to scholarship offers. A poorly made one, however, can mean your email goes unopened or your talent is overlooked. This isn't just about showing off; it's about strategically showcasing your skills in a way that resonates with a busy college recruiter. Add a link to your highlight video to your profile in RecruitReach and we’ll include in emails you ask us to generate.
The Golden Rules of a Standout Highlight Video
Creating an effective highlight video isn't just about stringing together your best plays. There's a method to the madness, and following these key rules will help your video rise above the rest:
1. Keep It Short and Sweet (Under 3-5 Minutes): Coaches have hundreds, if not thousands, of videos to watch. They don't have time for a 10-minute epic. Aim for a video that is 3 to 5 minutes long, max. For a first-contact video, even 1-2 minutes can be effective. Start with your absolute best plays in the first 30 seconds to grab their attention immediately. If you don't impress them quickly, they'll move on.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Don't include every decent play you've ever made. Focus only on your truly elite moments. One truly spectacular play is worth ten average ones. If you have too many "okay" plays, it dilutes the impact of your best ones. Be ruthless in your editing.
3. Show Diverse Skills (If Applicable): If your sport requires a variety of skills, show them all. For a wide receiver, show catches, blocking, route running, and yards after catch. For a basketball player, show shooting, passing, defense, and rebounding. Don't just show dunks or three-pointers; coaches want to see a well-rounded player.
4. Isolate Yourself – Make it Easy for Coaches to Find You: Coaches need to find you instantly. Circle or put an arrow on yourself at the beginning of every single clip. This is non-negotiable. Don't make them hunt for you; they won't. The circling should be brief, just enough to point you out, then disappear.
5. Show Game Footage, Not Practice Drills: While practice drills show skill, coaches want to see how you perform in a real game situation under pressure. Game footage reveals your game sense, decision-making, and ability to translate skills into actual competition. Once a coach has expressed explicit interest in you, follow up videos with training drills may help them see your progress and training.
6. No Music or Fancy Transitions: Keep it professional. Coaches aren't looking for a music video. Distracting music or flashy transitions take away from what they want to see: you. Let your play speak for itself. If you must have sound, ensure it's natural game sound, not a thumping bass track.
What to Include in Your Video
1. Your Basic Information: Start your video with a title slide (5-10 seconds) that includes the following. This will be very helpful for the coaching staff to also share among each other. Like a running backs coach sharing with head coach:
Your Name
Graduation Year
High School & City/State (e.g., Winter Garden, Florida)
Jersey Number
Position(s)
Key Stats (e.g., GPA, Test Scores, Athletic Measurables like 40-yard dash, vertical jump)
Contact Information (Email and Phone Number)
2. Best Plays First: Lead with your best 3-5 plays right at the start. These are the plays that will hook a coach and make them want to watch the rest.
3. Full Play Context: Show the play from start to finish. Don't cut off the clip too early. Coaches want to see the setup, your actions during the play, and the immediate aftermath. This demonstrates your awareness and how you finish plays.
4. Variety of Game Situations: Show plays from different games, against different opponents, and in various game situations (e.g., offense, defense, special teams if applicable). This gives a broader view of your abilities.
5. Academic Slide at the End (Optional but Recommended): End your video with another slide that reiterates your contact information and highlights your academic achievements (GPA, SAT/ACT scores). This reinforces that you are a "student-athlete."
Technical Tips for Making Your Video
Use High-Quality Footage: If possible, use footage from a tripod, not a shaky phone. Clear, well-lit video is essential.
Angle Matters: Film from a high vantage point to get a good overview of the play.
Use Editing Software: Simple editing software (many free options exist) allows you to trim clips, add circles/arrows, and create title slides.
Upload to YouTube or Hudl (Public Setting): These platforms are easy for coaches to access and share. Make sure your video is set to "public" or "unlisted" so coaches can view it. Never send a direct video file.
Get Feedback: Before sending it out, have your high school coach, a trusted mentor, or even a college athlete you know review your video. They might spot areas for improvement.
Your Highlight Video as a Recruiting Tool
Your highlight video is often the first step in a much longer conversation. It's designed to pique a coach's interest enough for them to take the next step: looking at your full game film, checking your academic records, or reaching out to your high school coach. By creating a professional, concise, and impactful highlight video, you are doing more than just showing off your skills; you are demonstrating your attention to detail, your seriousness about the recruiting process, and your potential as a collegiate athlete. Take the time to do it right, and it can truly be the key that unlocks your D1 dream.
