1. Why Highlight Reels Matter

A highlight reel serves as your first impression on coaches and recruiters. It provides a quick look at your skills, athleticism, and game awareness. A well-crafted video can:

• Showcase your strengths in a concise format

• Demonstrate game intelligence and decision-making

• Save time for coaches, making it easy for them to assess your potential

• Increase exposure by allowing multiple programs to evaluate you remotely

2. What to Include in Your Highlight Reel

Your video should be a collection of your best moments, not just random clips. Here’s what to focus on:

a) Start with Your Best Plays

• Coaches have limited time, so grab their attention within the first 30 seconds.

• Lead with your most impressive plays—whether it’s a game-winning shot, a defensive stop, or an incredible assist.

b) Show a Variety of Skills

• Highlight different aspects of your game: offense, defense, passing, movement, and decision-making.

• Include both individual brilliance and teamwork plays.

c) Use High-Quality Footage

• Avoid blurry or shaky videos—use game footage from a steady camera angle.

• If possible, film in HD or 4K for clear visuals.

d) Keep It Short and Focused

• The ideal length is 3-5 minutes.

• Avoid including entire plays—trim clips to showcase only the important moments.

e) Add Basic Information

At the start or end of the video, include:

• Your name

• Sport and position(s)

• Height, weight, and relevant stats

• Contact information (email and phone)

• Your coach’s contact information

3. Editing Tips for a Professional Look

a) Use a Simple and Clean Format

• Avoid excessive effects, flashy transitions, or distracting music.

• Use subtle slow motion only for key plays.

• Highlight yourself with a circle or arrow if necessary.

b) Keep the Focus on You

• Make sure the viewer can easily track your movements in each clip.

• Don’t include unnecessary background noise—opt for minimal or no music.

c) Label Key Clips

• Use short text overlays to indicate specific skills being demonstrated (e.g., “Fast Break Speed” or “Defensive Play”).

4. Where to Share Your Highlight Reel

Once your highlight video is ready, share it strategically:

• YouTube or Hudl – Upload your video for easy access.

• College Recruiting Platforms – Sites like NCSA or BeRecruited can help you reach more coaches.

• Social Media – Post short clips on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to gain visibility.

• Email to Coaches – Send a personalized email with a link to your video, along with a short introduction about yourself.

A strong highlight reel can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed by coaches. By following these tips, you can create a professional, engaging video that showcases your athletic ability and helps you stand out in the recruitment process.

Need more tips on getting recruited? Stay tuned for more insights on building your athletic resume and making a great impression on college coaches!