In this blog, we will cover the goals you should have for creating your recruitment video, the key components that coaches want to see, and the editor’s notes we’ve mastered over years in the industry
After a year filled with coach-visit restrictions and dead periods, a great recruitment video is as valuable as ever. Your talent and skill as a tennis player should be properly showcased for coaches across the country to see. In this blog, we will cover the goals you should have for creating your video, the key components that coaches want to see, and the editor’s notes we’ve mastered over years in the industry. Let’s get started!
Goals of Your Recruitment Video
Putting a Face to Your Name
Oftentimes, your recruitment video is the first time a coach learns of who you are. Use this opportunity to give a strong a clear introduction of who you are. Be precise and to the point, and make sure to smile!
Evaluation of Your Level
You are more than just a number or a ranking. Your recruitment video is an amazing way to give coaches an accurate understanding of what you can do on the court and what you could potentially bring to their team.
Increase Interest
You’re #1 goal at the point to get recruited to an amazing college or university. Your recruitment video should do a good job of highlighting your strengths that will drive your demand for college coaches.
Call to Action
While a great video can show coaches a lot about who you are as a player, they still want to learn more about who you are as a person. When it’s all said and done, give coaches a reason to watch your video from beginning to end and immediately contact you or your parents to get to know you better.
Key Components (Video Length, 8-10 Mins)
Introduction
Name, age, high school graduation date, prospective college entrance, etc.
Hitting
Demonstrate good consistency from both sides, some power, and placement.
Footwork and court movement is important
Always play with high intensity
THIS IS NOT A WARM-UP
Point Play
Play formal games
Keep score
Serving or receiving in the same sequence as a match
Wrap-Up/ Outro
Re-introduce yourself (name, age, graduation, etc.) and give a formal and upbeat exciting message that will leave a coach wanting to reach out to get to know you further.
Editor’s Notes
The camera angle must show the entire court
The camera should be placed behind you and as high as possible
Repeat points that are considered “productive”
Always remember that errors are ok. You aren’t perfect, and coaches know that.
Play against good competition
Make sure your opponent plays with 100% effort.
Ideally, play with someone of equal or slightly higher level than that of your own.
There is no problem if your opponent ends up winning more games, as long as the match is competitive.
