When it comes to catching a coach's eye, the right recruiting video can make all the difference. Think of your highlight reel as your personal introduction to the college basketball world—it needs to make a statement, showcase your skills, and leave them wanting more. But there’s a formula to getting it right. Too long? Too cluttered? Missing key moments? You might lose a coach's attention in seconds. We’ve crafted these essential dos and don’ts to make your recruiting video a slam dunk. Let's dive in!
DO: Keep It Short and Sweet
Coaches are busy, and the last thing they have time for is a 10-minute highlight reel. Traditionally these were made to last from 3 to 5 minutes. The sweet spot? 90 second videos. This is enough time to showcase your best plays while keeping their attention focused. Your first 30 seconds should include your most impressive moments—dunks, clutch shots, blocks, and assists that highlight your athleticism and basketball IQ. This is your chance to wow them quickly.
DON’T: Include Every Play You’ve Ever Made
Less is more. We get it—you’ve had some great games, but quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Don’t overload your video with every single clip from every single game.
Instead, be selective. Only include the most impactful plays that show your range as a player—your shooting ability, ball handling, defense, and decision-making skills. Dunking is cool, but what else can you do?
DO: Add Key Information
Every coach watching your video wants to know the basics, so don’t forget to include:
Your name
Your high school or AAU team
Your position(s)
Your jersey number
Your height and weight
Graduation year
This info can go right at the start or end of your video. You could also add a short introduction slide before your highlight reel starts, like a "title screen" in movies.
DON’T: Forget About Game Context
Highlighting your best plays is important, but showing your basketball IQ is a game-changer. Coaches want to know how you handle game pressure and how you make decisions under fire. So mix it up. Throw in a few clips where you make smart passes, hustle on defense, or outplay an opponent through strategy, not just skill. Show them that you can think on your feet and be a team player.
DO: Get the Angles Right
Good footage is key. A coach won’t be impressed if they can’t see you clearly, or if your highlights are filmed from the nosebleed section of the gym. If possible, use a professional videographer who knows how to film sports. They'll capture the best angles, ensure the footage is crisp, and make the final product look polished.
DO: Reach Out to Coaches the Right Way
Once your video is ready to go, it’s time to start sharing it with college coaches. Personalize each email, mentioning why you’re interested in their program and how you think you can contribute to the team. Include a link to your video (YouTube or Hudl are great platforms), your contact info, and your coach’s contact details for reference.
DON’T: Spam Every Coach You Can Find
Be selective about where you send your video. Don’t blanket email 100 coaches just because you can. Instead, research programs that align with your skills and level of play. It’s better to focus on 10-15 programs and send thoughtful, tailored messages than to send out generic mass emails.
Get the Edge with Professional Services
We get it—creating the perfect recruiting video can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.
At Hoop Brothers, we specialize in creating high-quality recruiting videos that make an impact. Whether you need a personal videographer to capture your game footage or you're looking for a premium, documentary-style mix to tell your story, we’ve got you covered.
Not only do we create polished, professional videos, but we also help ensure your reel checks all the boxes to impress college coaches.
Ready to take the next step? Let us help you stand out and get the exposure you deserve.
Contact us today!
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