Budget Crunch Has Coaches Depending More on Video Than Ever Before

Money’s Tight and Coaches Are Scrambling…Advantage Prospect

So, you might wonder aloud, “What does a college’s financial problems have to do with how I approach shooting a skill tape?”  Good question. 

Unless you’ve been glued to the Animal History Entertainment Channel for five years, you know that video footage is a must in today’s recruiting environment.  But, did you know that it is even more so today than at any previous time.  “Why?” you ask.  Money.  What’s new, right? 

As we speak, college administrators across the country are looking into every nook and cranny, under every rock, and into any dark hole they find in an attempt to uncover ways to save money.  Cutting the recruiting budgets of coaching staffs has made its way to the top of the “hit list.”  From a practical perspective, there are only so many ways one can squeeze another mile out of a gallon of gas or an athlete’s meal from a shrinking dollar.  But, it has to be done, somehow.  To coaches, the term “value meals” is taking on a whole new and serious meaning. 

All this belt tightening leaves coaches with the very tough and unsavory decision of choosing the tournaments to skip, which they would normally attend, to save a hundred or so dollars.  Overnight stays and dinners at Carrabba’s are giving way to day trips and Burger King.  Plain and simple: Coaches are scrambling to find more efficient ways of spending, or saving, what recruiting dollars they have left.  Over two thirds of America’s colleges share this dilemma. 

One method which coaches are almost universally depending more and more on is the use of video footage (skill and/or game) to make evaluations and even scholarship offers…without actually seeing prospects play in person.  That’s a risky choice to be sure, but there are few alternatives available to them.              

Where does that leave you, the prospect?  At NSR, we believe it gives you a clear advantage. 

You have one shot at making a great initial impression on a college coach.  One.  Blow that chance and a perfectly good opportunity may disappear before your very eyes, never to reappear. 

So, when shooting skill footage tapes, keep this important point in mind – college coaches will be evaluating your every move.  It is all there for the coach to see, so take heed of the following advice when preparing for and going through a skill footage video session:

• Preparation: Warm up thoroughly prior to taping – approach this workout as if fifteen college coaches were in the bleachers watching you prepare and perform.  Bring plenty of fluids.  This will be a harder workout than you might think.
• Mindset: Get in the mindset that you are going to work hard during the shooting – anything less is cheating yourself out of an opportunity.  Preparing mentally requires you to have received ample rest the night before, so think ahead and be smart. 
• Appearance:  You should look your very best.  Be sure to wear a clean uniform.  A uniform is preferred over workout gear, but if that is all you have to wear, make sure it is clean and sharp looking.  No wrinkled, holey shorts or shirts, or cut off T-shirts.  
• Attitude:  Stay positive.  Don’t let mistakes or body language sabotage you on film.  Stay positive and energetic at all times. 
• Pace:  The quicker your pace, the better results you will get.  Remember: coaches are watching EVERYTHING you are doing on this tape.  Hustle every step.