Most of us who make recruiting videos offer two different price points. One price point is if you already have clipped the highlights you want to use from your games. This is the most popular choice because it’s more affordable. If you’ve already done some of the work, it makes sense we’ll charge you less. However, more and more I’m being sent clips that can’t be used in a proper recruiting reel. Follow these steps to learn how to clip highlights for your recruiting reel the right way, to help your video stand out from the rest!
Never, Ever, EVER Use Your Phone to Clip Highlights
I’m going to mention this phrase several times in this little section, and it’s not for some algorithm. It is vital that you understand this: You can’t use a phone to clip highlights for your reel. It’s fine to use a cell phone to video games. These days, cell cameras produce crystal-clear 4k quality. And with a few stabilizing tips, you can create quality video to use for your reel.
But you should never try to cut clips from video on your phone. This is the number one reason why I have to turn people away who send me clips to use. In most cases, people send me clips that are actually just screen grabs of video online. Screen grabs on a phone are likely to be fuzzy, low quality video that coaches will ignore. Even screen grabs on computers should only be done if you have the proper recording software to produce HD video.
Why is this? Most free screen grab apps on phones do not allow you to export in high quality video. Typically apps may limit you to 480p (or lower). That kind of video, especially for outdoor sports, will not give coaches the ability to best see your ability.
In other cases, you can’t cut clips from your phone because of rendering. Video rendering, in short, is the process that a computer, phone, or tablet, creates your clip. Rendering should only be done on a good quality laptop or desktop, using professional video editing software (iMovie, Windows Video Editor will both suffice). You need a certain amount of graphics power, RAM power, and processing power that phones simply do not have. Again, this is why most phone apps don’t allow you to export in 1080p. So please, use a computer to cut your highlights, and make sure that you are exporting the clips in the best possible format. A coach is not going to struggle through a poor-quality video. They’re going to stop watching and go onto the next one.
Let Your Clips Breathe
Another common mistake people make when cutting clips is making them way too tight. Think about this example: You make a beautiful, contested 3-point shot at a key moment in the game, but before we see the ball go through the hoop, we’re already on to the next clip. This happens very often. Allowing your clips to breathe slightly will make your video look more professional, allowing for transitions. It also keeps coaches from guessing. Not being able to see the full play gives the coach the impression you’re trying to hide something. In a tight recruiting world, that could mean the coach stops the video, and your chances of being recruited are limited.
Coaches also want to see more than the shot. Make sure the clip is long enough to see the play develop so coaches can see your overall ability.
When in Doubt, Let the Pros Do the Job
If you’re struggling to master how to clip highlights for your recruiting reel, I’m happy to help. My rates are about $3 more per highlight to clip them myself. In a 20 highlight video, that comes out to an extra $60. Which might give you piece of mind and ensure that you have a good quality video that coaches will respond to.