September 25, 2026
Building a Highlight Reel College Coaches Will Actually Watch
A recruiting video that gets watched in full is different from one that gets closed after ten seconds. Here's what actually holds a coach's attention.
College coaches watch a lot of recruiting footage, which means most videos get closed within the first few clips if nothing useful shows up quickly. A highlight reel built to actually get watched looks different from one built just to compile every strike of the season.
Show the Whole Approach, Every Time
Clips that cut in right before the release don't show a coach anything about footwork, timing, or balance, which are exactly the things they're evaluating. Every clip should show the complete approach from the same consistent camera angle, not just the moment the ball leaves your hand.
Include More Than Just Strikes
A reel of nothing but strikes tells a coach less than footage that also shows spare shooting, a shot on a tougher lane condition, or a recovery after a poor shot. Coaches are evaluating a complete player, not a highlight package.
The Takeaway
A shorter, well-shot video that clearly shows mechanics and a range of situations will get watched further than a long compilation of strikes. Think about what a coach is actually trying to evaluate, and build the footage around that.