I this post we're looking at Recruiting Must Have #3, a Skills Video. A video showcasing the talents of your son or daughter is simply the most economical and efficient way for them to be seen by coaches.
A Skills Video can be classified as either a Technique Video or a Highlight Video.
Both types of videos are helpful in giving a coach an idea of your son or daughters skills and abilities, but if there are two videos, coaches will typically view the Highlight Video first and only view the Technique Video if they are interested in seeing more. You can also combine the two types of videos into one video that is mainly highlights with a few drills showcased at the end.
Your son or daughter's Skills Video is their opportunity to shine, uninterrupted, it should be kept simple and include the following:
Similar to your son or daughter's Player Profile, his or her Skills Video can, and should, be updated over time as he or she develops as an athlete—it's never too early to start collecting footage, but by the end of his or her grade 11 year the video should predominantly feature footage from that year. Here are some tips for collecting footage:
Once your Skills Video has been edited (you can use iMovie for free on Mac or Movie Maker on Windows) the easiest way to get it in front of coaches is to post it online, either on your Player Profile site (embedded) or on YouTube. If using YouTube, you can upload your video as Unlisted if you don't want other members of the public to find it, you will still be able to share the link directly with the coaches who you would like to view it. Do not post your video as Private, if you do, you will not be able to share a link for coaches to view it.
Now that your video is online you can send the shareable link to coaches via email. We'll be looking at Recruiting Must Have #4: Contacting Coaches in the next post.