The college recruiting process is more competitive than ever, and with the internet making it easier to send game film, highlight reels have become a must-have for athletes who want to stand out. But the truth is: not all recruiting videos are created equal. Coaches watch hundreds—sometimes thousands—every year. So what separates the forgettable from the must-watch?
Here are three things coaches actually want to see in 2025:
1. Keep It Short and Impactful
Your highlight reel should grab attention in the first 30 seconds. Coaches aren’t watching your entire season—at least not at first. Open with your best plays and keep the entire video under 4 minutes. Think of it like a movie trailer: enough to impress, but not the whole story.
Pro tip: If a coach likes what they see, they’ll request full game film later. Don’t make them dig through 40 minutes just to find your top five plays.
2. Show Skills That Matter for Your Position
A basketball coach doesn’t just want to see you score points—they want to see your decision-making, court vision, and defensive hustle. A soccer coach wants to see your footwork and off-the-ball movement, not just goals. Tailor your video to highlight the skills that define your position.
Pro tip: Ask your coach or trainer what plays matter most for recruiting in your sport. Their input is gold.
3. Make It Easy to Watch
Clarity matters. Coaches don’t want to squint at shaky iPhone footage or try to guess which player you are. Use clear, steady video, circle or spot-shadow yourself before each play, and avoid distracting music or flashy edits. Professional videography and editing can make a huge difference here.
Pro tip: Remember, this isn’t about entertainment—it’s about evaluation. Clean, professional video shows you take the process seriously.
Final Takeaway
A great recruiting video isn’t about the most dramatic camera angles or the longest highlight reel. It’s about giving coaches exactly what they need: a quick, clear look at why you’d be an asset to their team.
If you’re ready to take your recruiting to the next level, Prodigy Highlights specializes in creating professional highlight reels designed to catch coaches’ attention. Let’s make sure your video stands out for all the right reasons.
