A Quick Parent Guide to Getting Video for a Highlight Film

When it comes to athletic recruiting, looking good on paper is one thing but looking good on video is essential.

It’s true college coaches need to see test scores and transcripts, but NCSA research shows that student-athletes with an online profile are 12 times more likely to get viewed by coaches when they have video.

The reality is that most college coaches simply don’t have the time or the travel budget to go to every school, tournament, camp and showcase. Coaches need online video to make their initial evaluations of athletes. From those initial evaluations, they decide how to spend their limited recruiting budget to make in-person evaluations. The good news is that coaches don’t need a lot of video to make an initial evaluation of your student-athlete. They only need about 5–7 minutes max, but video should meet some basic production criteria. The following tips will help you get the quality highlight video you’ll need.

BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS, TALK TO YOUR COACH ABOUT TEAM VIDEO

More and more high school and club teams are filming every game and even practices. So, before you invest in any equipment, check with your coach on the quality and availability of team video. The team may have all the footage you need to create a solid highlight video. After talking with the coach, if you feel the school or club doesn’t have adequate video resources, you’ll want to take on some recording duties yourself.

BEFORE THE GAME, DECIDE YOUR ROLE: FAN OR VIDEOGRAPHER?

If you know weather conditions are going to be bad or the opponent’s gym is cramped and dark—these might be times to just cheer on your student-athlete rather than attempting to shoot video. When conditions are more ideal, you’ll want to have your equipment ready to go and arrive earlier to stake out a good vantage point. Remember, your focus shifts from cheering supporter to objective videographer. That means keeping your eye in the viewfinder and keeping your cheering, coaching, and play-by-play commentary on mute.

CAMERA PLACEMENT: GOOD VIDEO STARTS WITH A GOOD ANGLE

Every sport and every position have their sweet spots for video. For volleyball, you want to be filming from behind the player at a distance where the coach can see the entire court. NCSA does provide more detailed guidelines. As a general rule, it’s better to be set up in the middle of the court or field at a point higher than ground level.

RECORD THE PLAY, NOT THE PLAYER

Coaches like to see your child’s performance within the game situation. Zooming in too close doesn’t give the right perspective. Just make sure the video is in focus and you’re close enough to the action to clearly identify your athlete and to see the action. You can add a highlight spot or an arrow so a coach can easily see where to look—just don’t stop or freeze the action during the play. Use the highlight before each play begins.

KEEP IT STEADY

Needless zooming in and out is just as much of a distraction as a shaky camera. Follow the play and avoid any unnecessary or shaky movements. Investing in a tripod is a smart move. The quality of your video will immediately improve. Tripods are available for smartphones for less than $20.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Coaches watch a lot of video. A lot. Adding music and special effects isn’t necessary. Keep the videos simple and focused on your child’s athletic performance.

PRACTICE MAKES IT EASIER AND SO DOES ASKING FOR ADVICE

Like any other skill, shooting good video takes patience and practice. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a camera, you want to know its functions and limitations. Also, practice filming practice so you get used to following the flow of the game. Don’t be afraid to ask other parents or photographers for advice.