Introduction

One of the most important things to start with is a highlight video. Unless you are one of the highly recruited players who have been seen by coaches live in person at events such as National team events, FIBA Championships, State Championships, or any event numerous times and caught the attention of coaches, you need a highlight video. Even if this is the case and you want more options or schools to see you, a highlight video is a good idea to have on hand to share and also jog those busy memories of the coaches.

How to Make a Highlight Video

• So where do we start? How do we go about making a highlight video? What should be included? Here’s a quick outline of the most basic things needed.

1. Video Length –  No more than 4 minutes.

• You should be able to highlight your strengths within 4 minutes. If not, that is another conversation. If it is 30 seconds, those seconds better be special and sell your abilities to coaches within that time frame with a dunk or something.

2. Coaches Are Looking For Consistency – the things you are able to do in a game setting:

• Shooting the ball from the perimeter
• Finishing at the basket
• Rebounding the ball
• Playing defense / hustle plays

Note the point above of having the ability to consistently show you performing these abilities. A 10-clip highlight made from 10 different games does not highlight your ability to consistently perform these skills. Choose 1 or 2 games at most to make your highlight film, starting with all the highlights from one game then going to the next.

3. Editing Program – a basic program that can cut and organize game footage.

• I personally use Adobe Premiere; however your iphone or any other program works just fine.
• You can get more creative; however, the most important thing is a program that can make a highlight clip viewable showing your skill set. Sure, slow-mo features etc. look nice; however, remember the purpose of the video is to highlight your abilities in a short, concise, viewable video.

4. Player Information at the Beginning – make it easy for coaches to view and remember who you are

• Full Name
• Recruiting Class
• Position
• Team

5. Platform – easiest accessible way for coaches to view and share your video (YouTube or Vimeo)

• Coaches know what YouTube is, it is sharable via a link and easy to access.

6. Music (Optional) – If you choose music, select carefully

• Make sure the selection is a representation of who you are as a prospective student-athlete, just like your social media platforms.

7. Full Game Tape

• Lastly, have at least 1 full game tape on hand for when coaches ask to see a full game of you playing. Yes, it can be from the same highlights made or a different recent game.