Making a Highlight Tape
Highlight tapes are one of the best ways to self promote as an athlete. Your goal is to generate views and to get feedback from college coaches. Constructive feedback is always a positive sign. These tips and pointers are good for players wanting to make a highlight tape or wanting to improve their current tape.
Length: Keep your video short—about three to five minutes. If a coach wants to see footage of a whole game, they will request it.
Music: Coaches are most often going to mute it. Pick clips that look good without sound/music.
Music Dont’s: Do not include songs that are filled with cussing.
Best Clips: Your best clips need to be your first clips. Coaches will generally watch the first minute. That gives you 60 seconds to leave an impression.
Content: Show off your full game. Your film should highlight: defensive ability, IQ, athleticism, playmaking, scoring at all three levels, and hustle plays. Include footage from before and after the play. Coaches want to see how you react and communicate during gameplay.
Content Dont’s: Do not show any missed shots or turnovers in your film. Do not show low quality video or video that the camera misses any action.
Video Effects: Coaches do not care about special effects. Only use arrows, spot shadows, or a highlight circle to let them know where you are on the court.
Including Information: The first frame of the video should include your name, school, jersey number, position, graduation year and contact information. You can also add sport-specific measurements such as height and weight.
Video Distribution: DO NOT WAIT. If you want someone to see your video, send it to them. D1 prospects should send video to support staffers, graduate assistants, and assistant coaches. More often than not, head coaches will not be the first person to see your film. D2, D3, Juco, and NAIA prospects should send the video to the complete staff.
