Two weeks ago, I wrote about how you have 3-5 seconds to get a coach's attention with your emails.
This week, I'll show you why you've got about 30 seconds to do the same with your highlight videos.
If you don't grab them in that first half-minute, coaches are clicking away.
The Highlight Trap
Most players approach highlight videos all wrong:
- They make them too long (8+ minutes)
- They use unnecessary intros and graphics
- They include every decent touch they've had
- They organize clips randomly
- They forget to show their complete game
Meanwhile, most coaches are looking for specific things, in a specific order, and most highlight reels miss the mark completely.
Beyond The Goals
Scoring is important. But it's far from the only thing coaches evaluate:
- How you win possession - and what you do in the three seconds afterwards
- Your decision-making under pressure
- Your vision and spatial awareness
- Your off-ball movement, such as leading and marking
- Your recovery in transition
For some positions (like defenders), these elements matter more than any offensive highlights.
Edit For Clarity
It’s not too long ago that you needed a coach with some video editing skills and an expensive laptop to edit your footage.
These days you have little excuse not to be able to do this yourself. If you can make a TikTok or Instagram reel, you can make a decent highlight video.
Firstly, the sequence of your clips is just as important as their content. Lead with your most impactful moments, and group similar skills together thereafter.
Secondly, don't forget to add freeze frames to identify yourself in each clip. That might be obvious in 2025, but too many players still forget to do this.
This strategic organization helps coaches quickly assess your level and potential.
One Thing That Works
When editing, ask this question about every clip: "If this was the only clip a coach watched, would it make them want to see more?"
If the answer is no, cut it - regardless of how much you like it.
This ruthless editing is how you create a tight, impactful 3-4 minute video that actually gets watched all the way through.
Reality Check
Your highlight video isn't just a collection of your best moments. It's a strategic presentation of your complete game.
Make those first 30 seconds count.
I delve into even more highlight video strategies, in more detail, in The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook. This is my flagship, 4-hour course that serves as your guide to the college recruiting process, from first contact to final commitment.
Weekly issues of The Recruiting Roadmap, such as this post, will always be free. However, if you would like to support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber, which also gives you access to additional premium posts and Q&As!
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