Making it in the world of soccer is not easy, with so few teams and so many players eager to make the grade.
If an aspiring young player wants to make an impression and play collegiate soccer, then they may need to showcase their talents. Highlight videos are a key to this.
The preferred method for scouts and coaches to assess players is to watch them in person, but that does not mean it is possible all the time. In these uncertain times of restricted movement, perhaps the only way a coach can see a potential recruit is on a video.
That means making a video of their highlights and getting it out there, be it on YouTube or sent directly to coaches and scouts. You do not need a video production company either, it is something you can put together yourself.
What should you look to include, and what are the key points to consider? If you want to have a choice of teams, as we touched upon in our article What to Consider When Choosing a Club Soccer Team, what should you consider important in your presentation of your skills? Following our handy guide, we should have you showcasing your ability in next to no time.
Camera Position:
The first thing to consider is where your camera person will take the shots from. Remember, you will need someone competent to film you in action every game, maybe a friend or parent. You will not be producing moments of brilliance for 90 minutes, so dedication is required. If you are going to get the best impact, try to find an elevated position. At your home ground, that might be at the rear of a stand, or from a clubhouse. Highlights are only effective if the person watching can see the action.
Equipment:
If you are scoring goals for fun, but the clips are recorded in low resolution on a camera from the last century, nobody is going to appreciate your skills. Make sure you have the best camera available for a clear, concise picture. A stable image is important too, so not only is a camera important but also a tripod. Amongst the video equipment on Adorama, the range of image stabilizers demonstrates how in demand they are for professionals. Producing a steady, fluent shot is important in all aspects of filmmaking and that is never more pertinent than when highlighting your soccer skills. Remember, whilst a coach is looking for evidence of your skills, they must be able to see what is going on clearly enough to decide whether you are worth moving for.
Video Length:
One would hope, over the course of a few months, you can amass a section of around 20 clips. What you include will differ depending on the position you play, so a keeper will need some saves, but also evidence of other skills, such as claiming crosses. That is important to consider – a coach does not just want to see a striker scoring 25 goals, but perhaps setting some up, too. If you aim for 20 clips, and a video between three and six minutes long, you should hold a coach’s attention without becoming repetitive and drawn-out.
Opening Seconds:
You should look to open with three key aspects – firstly make sure you include a picture of you, with your name and position in the first frame. That clearly states to the coach what they are looking at. If you have any commentary over the top, make sure you use the word ‘you’ in the opening 30 seconds, as Tube Filter believes that promotes engagement. Finally, always start with your best clip, to ensure your video stays on beyond those crucial first few seconds.
General:
Those are the basics, but there are a couple of other salient points to keep in mind when composing the final edit.
- Use as wide-angle as possible, so a coach can see how you have adapted positionally, and how play has built up.
- Include the odd imperfection, as a coach might like to see how you adjust to a situation and come out on the right side. Do not use bad plays though, only those you turn into good situations.
- Get help with editing. You might be a good soccer player; it does not mean you are a good video producer. Lean on friends and relatives where possible, and share the creative process.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to put together an effective video which attracts coaches and scouts – if you are good enough of course!