Your Complete Summer Recruiting Guide
June 15th, 2009 - byFirst of all, I strongly recommend that all high school level athletes consider a camp, which can be very beneficial as long as you are aware of a few key points which I will discuss below. Most importantly though, I suggest you do thorough research when deciding whether or not you want to attend a camp. Decide what your desired results are from each opportunity and evaluate whether or not that option will satifsy your goals!
The Purpose:
An obvious purpose of camps is to help you get better, but an unfortunate bottom line is that most camps have one purpose; they are a money-maker for the organizers. Coaches and clubs bring in a lot of income through this method. Although we would like to think everyone has good intentions, it’s often not the case. Beware of overpriced camps, because they do not necessarily indicate the best training or coaching. Aside from being a money maker, another use is to evaluate prospective student-athletes. Many coaches use camps as an opportunity to evaluate your abilities in person. Some coaches even require top recruits to come to a camp so the coaches have a chance to work with them and see how the athlete takes to their technique and coaching style.
There are essentially two ways you may receive camp information. One, you are someone the coach is recruiting or interested in recruiting. Many times a coach will respond to receiving your scouting report with a camp brochure. Two, and much more likely, you are in some type of database or list and the coach has absolutely no idea who you are or your talent level.
So how do you choose the right camp? Based on the information above, you will either attend a camp to get better OR to be evaluated by a coaching staff.
If you are attending for training:
- Do some research on the coaching staff. How much experience do they have? How successful have these coaches been? Do they have a reputation for producing great volleyball players? Who is actually going to be coaching at the camp? Often times you will find college camps, but the head/asst coaches are not doing any of the training for it.
- Consider how they actually run the camp. Are you with girls/guys your age and ability level? Do they run the camp at a fast pace? Are you getting personal attention?
- You may want to talk to someone who has attended the camp before signing up.
If you are attending the camp/combine/showcase for exposure:
- Choose to go to camp at a school where the coach is recruiting you.
- Find out where you are on the recruiting list, how interested are they in you before you attend the camp. Be sure that you KNOW this coach is interested before investing your time and money to go. Most college coaches attending the camp already have a list of student-athletes they are looking at – if you are not on that list it is not likely they will be looking at you
- Be sure the school is a realistic fit.
- You are not likely the only recruit they are inviting to the camp.
- A common misconception is that you will be “discovered” at a camp. Coaches do NOT scout at camps. If college coaches are running the camp, they do not have the time or interest in discovering NEW talent. If the coach doesn’t know about you beforehand, they will not know about you on your way out!
- Depending on the sport, you should go to a DI camp summer after your sophomore year. Some DI schools already have their commitments by summer of junior year. DII you should go summer after junior year.
- As a sophomore it’s ok to open things up a bit, roll the dice, and go to a DI camp. As a junior/senior you should be more selective and try to go to schools who are recruiting you.
- Be sure to ask the coach whether the camp you are attending is an “Elite” level camp and not for just anyone. Is it invite only?
- For showcases, find out what college coaches will be there. Understand not all of the listed coaches will actually show up. I highly recommend that you research the college each coach is from, contact them, and let them know that you will be attending
Pros and Cons of College Camps, Combines, and Showcases:
Pros
- You are able to see what type of competition is out there. You will see the level of competition you are going up against.
- High level training is an obvious benefit to a college run camp. There are not many other opportunities for a high school athlete to work with a college level coach.
- You will learn new techniques and get some needed repetition.
- The college coach will help you see your skills from a different perspective – in addition to your high school or club coach.
- Camps keep you in shape during the off-season.
- If a coach is unable to come see you in person, this is a great way to get evaluated.
- Camp is a chance to get a feel for campus life such as staying in the dorms, eating in the cafeteria. You are able to tour around the campus.
- Combines and showcases are a way to get legitimate measurable numbers to aid you in the recruiting process.
Cons
- They can be expensive – this time and money may be better used to visit college campuses and meet with college coaches face to face, one on one
- Many times these showcases are very large and you do not receive very much time in the “spotlight”.
- If you stand out, that is great, but if you are not going to stand out you could just be crossed off of college coach’s recruiting list
- Showcases often draw attention from only local colleges and JC’s. If you are looking for big time exposure you probably will not get it.
- Pro-rated camps are not allowed. Coach may not waive your fees.
As you can tell, recruits face many options and decisions when planning their summer. The single most critical piece of advice I can give is to put in recruiting work before attending a camp. If you really want to maximize your camp and combine experience, make sure your name is on their list prior to your attendance and you have taken all five steps to be recruited.
