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Film Is Your Best Friend
- Jason
- Nov 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2, 2024
I want to start out by talking about the "film is unnecessary" idea. This kind of discussion usually comes in two forms.
First, I have heard some college coaches say that, "film isn't necessary to the recruiting process." But for the record, the coaches making these kinds of statements are the coaches that are flying in to a tournament to watch 1 athlete for two matches, recording and creating their own film, then flying back home. Film isn't necessary for them because they are going to make their own film basically. Also, film isn't necessary for them because they are going to travel and watch the top athletes anyway. Many of these schools are watching athletes as freshmen. They know who the most physical athletes are in an age group and they search them out. These coaches travel a ton and are in attendance at almost every single qualifier watching athletes they already know about and searching for others they don't know about yet.
So, for the other 98% of athletes playing in college, film is important!
Second, there are some clubs that will say a "highlight film" isn't necessary or that you shouldn't make one. Their claim is that coaches want to watch more full-speed and game like situations. The second part is true. Coaches do want to watch more realistic and consistent game play. But how do you get them to watch that film?
You get them to watch the film they "want" to watch by giving them the opportunity to make a quick evaluation with your highlight film.
Film is your best friend.
Good film can make or break your recruiting process.
It's harder to evaluate film for an athlete if the angle is bad or if I never see you do anything great. It's why you shouldn't depend on the highlights that Hudl creates for you. Or if you're a libero you should have at least one hustle play in your first 30 seconds; let me know you're willing to work to help your team earn a point.
The camera angle and timing of the clips is important too. It's hard for me to see how high you're jumping when film is from the top or on the side. College coaches watch and scout their opponents from film that is taken from the end-line, usually higher than chair level. However you are recording film, use some form of stabilization. Get a tripod or something similar, but don't just hold the camera in your hands.
Recruiting film is often your first impression with a college coach. Take it seriously. Make it a good impression. Take the time, energy and effort it deserves.
"Jason said don't send an email until you have perfect film."
Nope. I didn't say that! :)
I actually suggest that athletes send the film they have sooner than later. It's important to get your name on their radar and let them see if they can give you an evaluation based on what they see off of the film you have. They will also most likely mark you down in UA so they can watch you live. The next step is important as well. Keep in touch with the school so that you can send them better film once you have it. Too many athletes make the mistake of just sending one email to a school. That's just not enough. If you can show improvement and interest, that makes you a good candidate.
Start sooner than later with your film. Send what you can when you can. It's an important part of the process. You want coaches to evaluate you live, but you also want them to already like you BEFORE they come watch you play live.
Film is your best friend. Relationships take work.
Here are some other blogs where I have written about film.
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