By Andrea Emmons
An often avoided part of the recruiting process is making a video. I find many parents and student-athletes feel like it's going to take too much time and effort and for that reason hire expensive services to create a video. Making a great video is not only a painless process, it may be the ultimate key to your recruiting success.
Coaches are not going to recruit a player they have never watched play. Many times making it out to club or high school competition is just not a reality for coaches with limited time and budgets. Take the following steps for a great recruiting video that is going to give coaches the tools they need to fully evaluate your play.
Also a message from the wise; you can avoid the fancy "Eye of the Tiger" and montage sequences that are quite frankly a waste of the coaches time. No matter how many slow-motion sequences you include, the coach is not going to be convinced of your super powers. Coaches receive many recruiting videos. Focus on quality, not quantity. I hear over and over that coaches are either "sold" or "turned off" by an athlete within the first five minutes of footage.
Here are the tools you will need:
- A digital camera. Many people borrow these from friends or the high school if they don't have one readily available. You should also have a tripod to keep the camera steady. When taping, focus on the athlete, not ball placement. If you focus on anything, it should be to keep the camera stationary at all times while filming.
- People. All you need is a coach, cameraman (aka mom or dad) and a person to shag balls (aka your little brother or sister).
- Volleyball Court and Balls. Just ask one of your coaches. They should be glad to help you.
- An editing program, such as Microsoft. All video should be put on a DVD.
- A little patience and a few hours.
Make sure you include the following in a video:
- An Introduction. This is a chance to show the coach your poise & presentation. There is no need for this to be a symposium about your volleyball career! Make it short and sweet.
- Passing, digging, serve receive. Aim for 5-10 in a row of each with great platform and transition.
- Hitting or Setting. Depending your position you should include a variety of each in this category. Show all sets you are comfortable hitting or setting.
- Blocking. Keep this basic with two and three step footwork.
- Serving. It may seem like a good idea to show your shaky jump on a recruiting video, but again, you aren't fooling anyone. Stick with a solid float serve unless you really have the jump serve down.
- Game Footage. Your unedited game footage should finish up the video.
Once your taping is complete, it's time to supply it to coaches! Always introduce yourself before sending a video. Mailing videos can be expensive and time consuming. Make sure the coach is somewhat interested before sending. Coaches aren't recruiting every position every year! Ask them which positions they are recruiting and make sure you fit into what they are looking for.
You may or not hear back from the coach after they receive your video. Remember, it's up to you to follow-up.
For more information about collegiate recruiting, including full video instructions, be sure to ask an NCSA Collegiate Scout or Recruiting Coach.
