Everything You Need to Know About a Highlight / Skills Video – Part 1
February 9th, 2009 - byAs most of you know, creating a winning highlight / skills video is a critical step in the recruiting process. With recruiting budgets being cut at every level, college coaches are depending on video more than ever to efficiently evaluate a large number of prospects. At the same time, advances in technology have made this step easier than ever…if you know what you’re doing!
Simply put, the quality of a highlight / skills tape can make or break a student athlete’s process. If filmed or edited incorrectly, the DVD will end up in the trash bin next to the coach’s desk and the recruit’s name will be crossed off the recruiting board.
Recognizing the growing importance of video, I recently sat down with NCSA’s Professional Video Editing Department to get the scoop on how to film and edit a highlight / skills tape…the NCSA way.
NCSA Video Coordinators Jim Broe, Alex Horton, and Marko Markovic have seen their fair share of athletic footage. Between the three of them, NCSA has produced more than 7,000 highlight / skills videos for student-athletes over the years. After speaking with them, it became clear that there are two main aspects to creating a highlight video: filming and editing.
This week, I will share their insight on how to properly film and then next week we will cover the vital information about editing.
CK: Why is the initial filming of a student-athlete so important?
JB:
The final product of a highlight or skills tape is only as good as the initial footage. Even the most skilled editing professionals cannot take poor footage and turn it into a high quality highlight reel. Editing professionals also cannot create plays out of thin air; meaning if the skill or play was not captured in the original filming then it is lost entirely.
AH:
Filming is where it all starts. In some cases, the only way college coaches will ever be able to evaluate a prospect will be through a highlight film. With thousands of prospective student-athletes looking for that initial “interest,” it is not uncommon for a college coach to turn off a film after one or two plays if they are boring, display the wrong skill or they cannot tell which player they are supposed to be watching. Good filming will make editing and evaluating much easier.
CK: What are some common mistakes that families make when filming?
MM:
An awful lot of families zoom in on their particular student-athlete which does not show the entire play and that student athlete’s role in its development. On the other hand, some families film so far away from the action that it’s hard to make out the student-athlete who is being showcased.
AH:
I completely agree with Marko. To avoid that mistake, make sure to spend some time preparing before you film. Sit down and discuss what games to film, where the camera will be located to capture the best angles and shots, the types of skills desired, etc.
JB:
I think too many families rely on their high school coach to film which can be a mistake. This might result in unqualified people being responsible for a student-athletes future. I suggest a family meets with the high school coach before the season to determine who will be filming all the games, what the quality will be like based on previous film taken by the coach, and whether or not the coach will provide the family with access to the footage.
MM:
Another mistake I have commonly run into is families attempting to edit the footage while filming. The best filming will be a steady shot of the action with no interruption. Families should not rewind or stop filming because who knows what you might miss!
CK: What are some of the trends you have seen in filming and how has technology played a role?
AH:
The advancements in technology have made the life of a filmmaker much easier. One tool that families should utilize more is a tri-pod. I know it does not sound very “high tech” but it is an enormous advantage. 
MM:
Absolutely! A tri-pod will go a long way towards maintaining steady footage and will prevent the human movements (mom or dad jumping up and down) that can be a distraction. Also, the prices of quality cameras have gone down quite a bit in recent years. I realize many athletes are part of a team and one suggestion that I have is pooling the resources of all the families to purchase a good camera. This could be shared by the entire team and produce a much better product for all the athletes.
JB:
In the whole scheme of things, tripods and quality cameras are relatively inexpensive given their correlation to overall quality. Also, the use of HD has increased in the last year, but at this point is not a necessity for student-athletes or college coaches.
CK: How does filming differ between a team sport and an individual sport?
JB:
In team sports, coaches need to see interaction between teammates. The play may have an outcome that is dependant on several factors outside of the individual student-athlete and coaches need to see all of it to effectively evaluate the prospect. This goes back to the mistake Marko pointed out earlier in which families sometimes will zoom on their student-athlete and miss the play going on around them.
AH:
To build off what Jim said, in team sports, coaches want to see more “real-time” footage whereas for the individual sport, coaches are more interested in their skills which don’t have to come during a game or match. Typically, individual sports should require closer filming to allow the coach to evaluate the skill set.
MM:
Jim and Alex hit it right on the head. Generally speaking, team sports should be filmed with a wide angle and individual sports with a tighter shot.
CK: Many families face the decision of hiring a “professional” to film their games or doing it on their own. Any advice for families making the choice?
AH:
My personal opinion would be to film on your own if possible. There are a lot of small, local companies and services who charge too much money given the return. Families are fully capable of taking their own film…and doing it well! The hard 
part is the editing.
JB:
This really depends on the amount of experience that the “professional” has regarding what college coaches want to see. Some production companies have no idea what skills a volleyball coach, for example, will want to see in which case the wrong footage will be taken and money wasted. I think if a family can receive the proper guidance about what to film from someone like NCSA, then they really can do the filming on their own. Just make sure to get that information before starting to film!
CK: I am sure you guys have seen plenty of high quality filming jobs over the years. What were some of the common characteristics those all had?
AH:
For me, this is easy, it’s five main parts:
- Good viewpoint, angle, and distance from the action
- Plenty of film to be evaluated (not just a two minute video already edited)
- Variety in the skills showcased
- Still and steady footage
- Good lighting
MM:
Be aware of what you’re filming and keep focused on the task at hand which is gathering footage of a student-athlete that can be turned into a highlight video. Sometimes parents lose sight of the goal and end up filming things that aren’t helpful. One time, I edited a film that included 30 seconds of a bee buzzing around a man’s head. I don’t know many college coaches that wanted to see that…The best films are all about the action on the field.
CK: Any examples come to mind of videos that were filmed well that our readers can look at?
JB:
Sure. Here are three links to some NCSA videos that are posted on You Tube that families can take a look at:
CK: Any final advice for families in regards to filming?
JB:
Don’t become emotionally invested in the filming process and remain objective. Parents need to let the tape run and not try to edit the game while filming. You can only edit what you have filmed.
MM:
Investing in the right equipment can go a long way towards improving the filming quality. Seriously discuss the possibility of investing in things like a camera or a tri-pod.
AH:
Keep the shooting simple. Place the camera on a steady platform, follow the athlete through their performance, and make sure to show each and every play to the end. Let us worry about the rest!
Be sure to check back next week when the NCSA video experts share some trade secrets on how to turn that raw footage into a final product that college coaches can evaluate through the editing process.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
My son is a HS baseball catcher. Need recommendation what is best location, angle and distance to film. I use a tripod/monopod; camera is Sony digital Mega Pixel 2.7″ Wide Hybrid LCD, 12x optical zoom.
Pls advise
February 10th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
i would like to see an example of a good video for a softball catcher
February 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I have a son who is a QB, freshman year. I volunteered to video the game for the coaches because they allow me to film the game from the best vantage view — observation area. Since the game lasts forty minutes (and more with time outs, etc.), I have two backup batteries. I use the Canon HG10 with HD capabilities with a directional mike and a professional tripod. The Canon provides the best recording even at night. The directional mike (Stehnhauser) just picks up field sounds, while avoiding irritating background sounds (from experience, I inadvertently recorded chats or comments from the stands. This new setup eliminated that.) I also follow the the ball wherever is on the field, centering it, and my vision is to include all players, defensive and offensive within the screen.
I use Sony Vega software to edit because it is one of the few that allows to edit HD. And even if you can record HD, I find myself creating a lesser format because the HD format requires substantial disk space and its recording size normally exceeds the standard DVD maximum size.
I found this approach effective, except that I cannot figure out how to mark where a player is with the Sony Vega software. I do denote the position – QB and number with text next to the player. Is this a separate application to insert an arrow in a video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bPOic0A0Fg
February 10th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Responding to Juan Ramon’s comment. Many types of consumer editing softwares do not offer layering or a spot shadow graphic. We use Final Cut Pro here at NCSA.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Responding to Rhonda Smith you can find examples of softball student athletes on our NCSA YouTube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSAsport
February 10th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
James – Receiving guidance about location, angle, and distance to film is reserved for NCSA members. If you are a member, I encourage you to contact your Recruiting Coach and they will be happy to provide you with that information.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Is there a recomended length for highligh videos and do you recomend including (if done well) slow-motion (panned and cropped) versions of a play shown after this real-time shot?
February 10th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I have taped my son’s football games since 2nd grade; he is a senior now and signed with FAU to play football. We used Pinnacle Ultimate 11; I now wish I had purchased the add-on to spotlight him. I taped, he made the highlights and dad proofed. His assistant football coach told us our JR highlight was better than what he could make and footage he had. Not that the team couldn’t afford it but the head coach didn’t deem it necessary so they are still using a VHS over the shoulder camera. My son has since made highlights for other teammates. The only person you can depend on for recruiting is yourself. What you put in is what you get out. NCSA helps get information out to schools. Be worried when the head coach tells you it isn’t his job to get your son a scholarship that it is on you. If you don’t know what to do or where to start NCSA has tools and guidance. The new program they have has helped so many that needed a little tech help to go the distance.
I spoke with the gentleman of Sunshine Preps here in Florida and he had nothing but good things to say about what NCSA offers. He has some stories about bad footage! Where your athlete is on the field working you have to work as hard on the sidelines for them.
February 10th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
what are you looking for in a track film
February 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Michael, to answer your question about length and effects, try to keep you highlight in the range of 3-5 minutes; coaches will know the quality of athlete they are looking at in that amount of time. For anything additional besides a quick spot shadow, those items are not needed. They offer no additional benefit for an evaluation and more often than not serve as a distraction. The only additional item that you might consider adding is a different angle of a play, but only if it offers added benefit for evaluation not seen in the original play.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Jim, thank you very much for the input. This is very helpful.
Regards.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I am having trouble getting game film for basketball. Should we send the complete game or how should we indicate which player(s) are my son(s). I have tried filming on my own but I am one of those parents jumping up and down so most of my film is shaky and showing the bleachers. lol
February 12th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I have been told I need just a skills tape for women’s volleyball, what does that include?
February 12th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Mary,
My name is Andrea Emmons and I am a Senior Recruiting Coach here at NCSA and work with the volleyball players. A skills tape can be helpful during the recruiting process, but in most cases it is not necessary. More importantly, you need a coach to see your athlete in person or through unedited match footage.
If you do create a skills tape, there is no need to make it long. Include your athlete completing each skill they are comfortable with about 15-20 times. The raw film should be about 15 minutes.
Tape from the near side of the court (the side the player is on) and be sure to use a tri-pod. Station the camera in right back for a setter or rightside, middle back for a middle hitter, left back for an outside. Do not follow the ball or move the camera while filming. Do not zoom in and out.
Try to show skills done well in succession. You should show 3-5 of the skill back to back without having to edit in between.
Outside Hitters:
o 10-15 Hits/Kills/Backrow attacks
o 5 Blocks
o 5-10 Serve receive
o 10 Defense plays/Digs
o 5 Serves
Opposite/Rightside Hitters:
o 10-15 Hits/Kills/Backrow Attacks
o 5 Blocks
o 5-10 Serve receive (if applicable)
o 10 Defensive plays/digs
o 5 Sets
o 5 Serves
Middles:
o 15-20 Hits/Kills
o 15-20 Blocks/Blocking Footwork
o 5 Serves
Setters:
o 20-25 Sets
o 5 Attacks
o 10 Defensive plays/digs
o 5 Serves
DS/Libero
o 15-20 Serve receive
o 15-20 Defensive plays/digs
o 5 Serves
o 5 Backrow attacks (if applicable)
I hope this information is helpful Mary.
Andrea Emmons
February 12th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
juan ramone,
No need for costly upgrade use text on a see-thru background….
In sony vegas, use a large text overly of the letter “O” to circle your player at the beginnig of the play while he’s monentarily stationary – as the text will not move with the play. bright yellow works best…
this technique can be seen on NCSA or youtube – search ryan sparlin
good luck
Paul Sparlin
February 13th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
what would be the best angle to record a HS soccer game???
February 14th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I would like to know the specific shots if any to be filmed for hs fastpitch softball, and also what do you film for instance if my daughter plays several positons?
February 14th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
My son is on the Varsity A Soccer team in High School, I was wondering if I could record more than just his High School Games and Practices… Since he has complete control of the ball… can I also record him doing tricks with the ball in the back yard?
February 16th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Jennifer –
In response to your question regarding softball film.
As a former college coach and now a head recruiting coach at NCSA – I understand how valuable a film that shows one’s skill can be. This is the beginning of the recruiting process that will show coaches whether they want to continue to purse the student athlete or not. It is critical to provide the necessary camera angles and skills on the DVD that will give a complete picture of the skill set the athlete posses.
This should definitely be skill footage not game. Show your primary defensive spot as well as a few things with a secondary position. A key in the camera angles is to get in line of the view so it shows throws for arm strength as well as accuracy. Do not move the camera back and forth to show the complete play. Here are some specific examples for the hitting portion as well as defense for IF (SS & 2B).
Hitting:
* The pitcher should throw batting practice type
fastballs OR use a pitching machine.
* Footage should be filmed either outside on a
diamond or in a cage.
* With camera angle behind the catcher area film
30 swings
* With camera angle 5 ft. directly to the right of
the plate for right-handed hitters or left of the
plate for left handed hitters.
15 swings
Infielders (SS & 2B)
* Regardless if you are a SS or 2B, you will need
to take your groundballs at SS in order to
maximize range and arm strength.
* With camera angle positioned 4 ft. to the left
of the mound for half AND 4 ft. behind 1B for
half.
8 Groundballs hit directly at you
8 Groundballs hit 8-10 feet to your left.
8 Ground balls hit 8-10 feet to your
right.
6 Slow Choppers hit directly at you.
* With camera angle positioned 2 ft. behind the
mound for the first 4 shots AND 4 ft. behind 1B
for last 2 shots
Double plays – 6 Feeds from the 2B
coming across the bag and making the
throw to 1B.
* With camera angle positioned 2ft. behind the
mound show fielding from SS position & throw
to the 2B.
2 ground balls hit directly at you.
2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your right.
2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your left.
I hope you find this helpful for your softball skills!
Joyce Wellhoefer
February 20th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Joyce, very well done and helpful.
How about for baseball? say catcher, pitcher, and ss?
Thanks,
Wayne
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
As the Head Recruiting Coach for the Baseball Department at NCSA here are a few tips that would help every baseball student-athlete with video footage:
1. The best footage to have is skills footage, similar to softball
2. Look professional, and
3. The video should be short – 3-5 minutes
Here are a few keys of what college coaches will be looking for in video footage for the following positions: catcher – throws to 2B, blocks, and frames; pitcher – show the movement of the pitch and mechanics; shortstop – range and arm strength.
July 24th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
i have daughter who plays tennis do i just record her whole game or certain parts of the game as in highlights.
July 25th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Its my first time using NCSA and im wondering since i want to do tennis in college what type of things should i film during the video and i would like to knw from a recruiters point of view..