Every athlete hoping to play in college wants their recruiting video to make a great first impression on coaches. You know your skills are strong, your passion is real, and your game is ready for the next level. But how do you make sure college coaches see that, too—especially through a screen? The good news: a thoughtfully made recruiting video can deliver exactly what coaches need, letting your talent shine and helping you stand out among hundreds of prospects. Let’s break down what coaches look for, how athletes actually get recruited, and the do’s and don’ts for creating a video that gets real attention.
Why a Great Recruiting Video
Matters
Coaches rely on recruiting videos as their first look at potential athletes. With limited time and packed schedules, a well-edited, focused video can mean the difference between a callback and a missed opportunity. Whether you play lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, or any other college sport, your video acts as your digital handshake. It’s how you control the narrative about your athletic ability and personality when meeting face- to-face isn’t possible yet.
At Redwolf, we encourage athletes and families to see their recruiting video as an investment in their future. When your reel is organized and clear, coaches can evaluate your skills quickly—and that’s what keeps you on their radar
What Coaches Want to See in Your
Recruiting Video
Coaches aren’t just looking for raw stats or a highlight or two—they want to see how you play, think, and act on the field or court. Here’s what should always come through in your footage:
Core Skills and Athleticism – Showcase the skills most relevant to your position. For example, if you’re building a baseball recruiting video, coaches want to see your swing mechanics, fielding technique, arm strength, and base-running speed. For soccer or volleyball, ball control, vision, footwork, and hustle are key. Always aim to include a balanced mix of offense and defense if your position requires both.
Game Footage Over Drills – While drill clips can be helpful, coaches want to see in-game action whenever possible, because that’s where your instincts and decision-making show up naturally. Use clear, high-quality game footage that spotlights your play within real competition.
Play Context and Consistency – Set up each play briefly. If your sport allows, add titles or graphics indicating your jersey number, position, and what to look for in the coming play. Showing a consistent level of intensity and skill throughout several moments is more valuable than one spectacular but isolated clip.
Personality and Coachability – College coaches want athletes who will contribute positively to their team culture. Quick glimpses of leadership—high-fiving teammates, communicating during the game, or responding positively to feedback—give important cues about your coachability and team attitude.
How the
Recruiting Process Works
Getting recruited starts with exposure—and exposure starts with your ability to get in front of coaches. A well-crafted video makes this possible, especially when paired with outreach through emails, recruiting profiles, and showcase participation. Often, the first decision a coach makes is whether to ask for more information or to see you play in person—and that decision almost always hinges on your video.
Here’s a typical journey for most athletes:
- Create strong recruiting tapes with your best, most relevant footage.
- Upload videos to your recruiting profile or a platform commonly used by college coaches.
- Reach out to coaches directly, linking your video and including essential stats, academic info, and your contact details.
- Stay proactive—follow up, update your reel as you grow, and participate in showcases or camps.
How To Make a Good
Recruiting Video
Simple is best. Avoid long, unfocused footage or music that distracts from your skills.
Here’s how to maximize your recruiting tape’s impact:
- Start with a short intro (your name, graduation year, position, club/high school team).
- Prioritize your strongest, most relevant plays up front—the goal is to “hook” the coach within seconds.
- Let each play breathe: good pacing lets coaches absorb your skill without confusion.
- Use clear, stable footage. If you only have smartphone clips, don’t worry—Redwolf can enhance video quality and make your footage shine.
- End with your contact information and, if you like, a glimpse of your work ethic (extra training, recovery, leadership moments).
Professional editing can spotlight you with graphics or a subtle highlight, ensuring coaches never wonder where to look or who to watch.
Common Do’s
and Don’ts
Do:
- Show both offense and defense if appropriate for your position.
- Include a variety of plays: scoring, assists, saves, hustle moments.
- Make sure you’re easily identifiable (arrows, spotlights, or uniform info).
- Keep the video under seven minutes—three to five is ideal.
Don’t:
- Rely on slow-motion, excessive effects, or distracting music.
- Skip defensive or non-flashy but important skills—many coaches value these hugely.
- Include poor quality, shaky footage if it can be avoided.
How Redwolf Can Help You Stand
Out
Our team believes every athlete should have an equal shot at being seen for their true talent. We specialize in recruiting video production that puts your best moments front and center, even if your source footage isn’t perfect. If you need help creating a softball recruiting video, field hockey recruiting video, or anything in between, we make the process smooth and stress-free—just identify your favorite moments, and we’ll deliver a polished, coach-friendly reel in just a few days.
We even offer AI enhancements to boost the clarity of smartphone or old footage and use custom graphics to make YOU unmistakable on screen. The result is a recruiting video that coaches want to watch, start to finish.
Key Takeaways
A standout recruiting video is your ticket to getting noticed in the crowded world of collegiate athletics. When you present coaches with clear, concise, and high-quality footage that highlights your athleticism, decision- making, and personality, you raise your chances of moving ahead in the recruiting process. Let our expert team at Redwolf take the stress out of editing, so you can focus on playing your best game.