College wrestling coaches prefer to evaluate recruits in person, but limited time and budgets make that difficult. That’s why wrestling highlight videos matter. A strong wrestling recruiting video can get you on a coach’s radar and lead to an in-person evaluation, especially for wrestlers in regions with fewer college programs. Use the guidelines below to create a wrestling highlight video that gets you noticed.
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What should my wrestling video include for college coaches?
A wrestling recruiting video should include four or five full matches and be five to 10 minutes long. College coaches prefer full matches because they show conditioning, consistency, and decision-making.
Your video should clearly demonstrate all three phases of wrestling:
- Neutral (60%) – takedowns, setups, and hand fighting
- Top (30%) – turns, rides, and mat control
- Bottom (10%) – escapes and reversals
Coaches value competitive matches against strong opponents more than dominant wins. Close matches (such as 8–3 or 9–4 scores) provide better insight than lopsided results unless the opponent is elite.
Recommended footage includes:
- Best takedowns from neutral
- Effective turning combinations
- Strong escapes and defensive skills
Including Freestyle and Greco-Roman matches is recommended. These show offseason participation and experience against national-level competition.
Insider Tip: clearly identify which singlet you’re wearing. Coaches need to know exactly who to watch, and this is a mistake many recruits still make.
What wrestling highlights do coaches want to see?
College wrestling coaches want to see skill and control, not just fast pins.
Coaches look for:
- Good technique
- Strong positioning
- Mat awareness
- Staying calm under pressure
Best footage to include:
- Close, competitive matches
- Matches vs strong opponents
- State-level or national-level matches (if available)
Insider Tip: In most cases, music is not recommended for wrestling highlight videos. College coaches are focused on technique, not production value. Music can distract from mat sounds and referee calls.
How long should my wrestling recruiting video be?
A wrestling highlight video should be short, focused, and easy to evaluate.
Recommended length:
- Four or five full matches
- Total runtime of five to 10 minutes
This gives coaches enough footage to evaluate all three phases—neutral, top, and bottom—without losing interest.
How do I get my wrestling video seen by college coaches?
Creating a highlight video is only the first step. Getting coaches to actually watch it requires initiative and a clear plan.
Target the right schools
Focus on colleges that are a realistic academic and athletic fit. Sending videos to mismatched programs is rarely effective.
Email coaches directly
Send a personalized email to the coach or recruiting coordinator that includes:
- A brief introduction
- Why you’re interested in their program
- A direct link to your wrestling highlight video
Even if NCAA rules prevent a response right away, email is still a critical recruiting tool.
Get on a coach’s radar early
Coaches often create prospect lists before tournaments and recruiting events. Sharing your highlight video ahead of time increases the chances they’ll recognize and prioritize you.
Update your video regularly
Coaches want to see development and potential. As you improve:
- Add new matches
- Replace older footage
- Follow up to let coaches know you’ve posted updates
NCSA’s Video Team edits more than 40,000 highlight videos each year, creating polished reels that capture coach interest. Depending on membership level, athletes may receive multiple videos and guidance on which schools to contact.
How to make a wrestling highlight video
A wrestling highlight video can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked. It’s your opportunity to showcase your ability in all three positions.
Before filming
- Ask your high school coach if match footage is already available
- Platforms like Hudl are increasingly common in wrestling
While filming
- Film multiple matches, especially at state or national events
- Choose four or five matches against strong competition
- Film from an angle that captures the entire mat and referee
- Use a tripod to avoid shaky footage
- Do not zoom during live action
- Film the scoreboard between periods or after the match
Editing tips
- Include Freestyle and Greco-Roman matches if possible
- Avoid music
- Mute audio if background noise is distracting
- Clearly identify which singlet you’re wearing
- Add a title card with your name and graduation year
- Example: John Doe Wrestling Recruiting Video – Class of 2026
- Note major events (district finals, national tournaments) if applicable
- Select matches that show neutral, top, and bottom skills
- Keep the video under 10 minutes
Publishing and sharing
- Upload your video to your NCSA recruiting profile
- Post it to YouTube for additional visibility
- Email a direct link to coaches on your target list
Ready to get your wrestling video in front of college coaches?
A great highlight video only matters if college coaches can find it. Creating a free NCSA recruiting profile gives you a trusted platform where coaches actively search, evaluate, and track wrestling recruits.
With an NCSA profile, you can:
- Upload and share your wrestling highlight video
- Get discovered by college wrestling coaches nationwide
- Track coach views and engagement
- Receive guidance on which schools match your academic and athletic goals
Don’t wait for coaches to find you on their own. Take control of your recruiting journey.
Create your free NCSA wrestling recruiting profile today and get seen by college coaches.