Please review your contract before starting the video....
🎬️ Video production is included in the ALL AMERICAN package after consultation and depending on the sport
✨ Post-production and video editing are included in the ALL AMERICAN and ELITE packages
A compelling recruiting video is a crucial part of your application for college sports in the USA. Even if you have excellent results and rankings, most college coaches want to see your playing style, technique, and personality in a video. A well-produced video is an opportunity to authentically showcase your skills and convince a coach to recruit you for their team.
In this guide, we show you step-by-step how to create your video, what to look out for, and what content must not be missing.
A video gives you the opportunity to stand out from other applicants and provide the coach with a realistic impression of your abilities. It is a critical factor in gaining the attention of college coaches and advancing in the selection process.
A good recruiting video helps:
Show your playing strength and technique in various game situations.
Convey your personality and commitment on the field.
Present key moments of your game (such as passing, shots, dribbling, tackles, and game situations).
Note: A well-structured video can give you a significant advantage. Therefore, pay attention to high quality and an appealing presentation of your best skills.
The video should look professional, but at the same time authentic and natural. Here are some basic rules you should follow:
Camera positioning:
Preferably use a tripod to avoid shaky footage.
Film in a quiet environment without distracting background noise.
Make sure you are centrally framed and the entire playing field is visible.
Image quality:
Use a camera with at least full HD quality (1080p).
Ensure the lighting is sufficient to clearly see the details.
Video sequence:
Start with a brief personal introduction.
Show dynamic training exercises (if they are perfectly executed).
Finish the video with relevant game scenes to demonstrate your abilities in an actual game.
An optimal recruiting video is clearly structured and shows different aspects of your game. It should be structured as follows:
Start your video with a short but concise introduction. Imagine you are presenting yourself directly to the coach.
Content:
Your name, age and place of residence.
Your current school and grade level.
Your playing position on the field (e.g., defensive midfielder, striker, goalkeeper).
A brief description of your strengths and your goals for college.
Example:
"Hi, my name is Max Mustermann. I am 17 years old and currently attend XYZ High School in Vienna, Austria. I am a central midfielder and have been playing competitive soccer for the last 10 years. My goal is to continue developing my skills and to contribute to a successful college team in the United States."
Training exercises demonstrate your technical precision and ball feel. Make sure all exercises are dynamic and error-free. Only perfect training footage will leave a positive impression.
Examples of meaningful training exercises:
Dribbling through cones:
Show fast and precise ball control.
Camera perspective: Close-up on the feet area and full shot from behind.
Passing in motion:
Show controlled passes over various distances (short, medium, long).
Camera perspective: Side view and full field shot.
Shooting:
Show targeted shots from different positions.
Variation: Volleys, long-range shots, and headers.
Important note:
Avoid footage of warmup exercises or static stretching exercises - this looks less dynamic and does not contribute to a convincing impression.
This is the crucial part of your video: the game scenes. Use only the best footage and make sure it is always clear who you are on the field.
Categories for game scenes:
Goals and assists: Show your finishing quality and eye for teammates.
Challenges and tackles: Present your defensive skills and game awareness.
Ball distribution and passes: Show how you distribute the ball and create chances.
Camera perspective:
Ensure the entire playing field is clearly visible.
Mark yourself at the beginning of each scene with a small symbol (e.g., arrow, frame, or highlight).
Important tips:
- No misplaced passes or poor game scenes - show only what you can do well.
- Don't zoom in too close - the coach needs to be able to follow the game flow.
- Keep each scene short and precise to maintain the coach's interest.
Many coaches want to see a full game in addition to the highlight video. This gives them the opportunity to evaluate your playing style in the context of a full match. Therefore, film as many games as possible and choose the best match for your complete game video.
Tips for the full game:
Keep the camera focused on the game action - ideally with a radius of 20-30 meters around the ball.
Avoid exclusively pointing the camera at yourself. Show the game flow from a wide perspective.
Choose a game that represents the level of both teams well and in which you can optimally demonstrate your abilities.
Note:
Only upload the full game if the coach requests it or it is expressly required.
Test your setup in advance:
Ensure the camera is properly positioned and the lighting conditions are right.
Day of recording:
If you cannot show good shots on a given day, plan a new appointment instead of submitting a mediocre video.
Post-production & editing:
Depending on the selected service package, we will take care of the final selection of video sequences, editing, and post-production of the videos for you.
Video length (STANDARD package):
The final recruiting video should be between 10 and 12 minutes in total. The coach will usually not take much more time to get a first impression.
Uploading the video material:
STANDARD package: Upload the final recruiting video via the upload link.
ELITE package: Upload the video material (all suitable video sequences) via the upload link.
A well-structured recruiting video is an investment in your sporting future. Make sure that all relevant content is clearly presented and you show yourself from your best side. If you need help with the creation, feel free to contact us - our team will support you at every step.