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My son has made quite a few calls to coaches who specifically asked him to call and is now reaching out to schools that he has not previously had contact with. What he is finding is a lot of voice mail. I noticed looking back at the coaches he had called before, the phone numbers were not the same as those posted on the school's website. I assume office vs. cell. So, I have questions about those sort of calls. What's a proper time frame in which to call? So far, he's been limiting his calls to weekdays prior to 6pm their local time. I would say, it's been a 98% fail rate on reaching the actual coach. Generally, he'll leave a message that he will call back tomorrow at 4:30pm. I would welcome some experienced advise on the proper protocol.

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Hey Root, 

I'm probably missing something and stating the obvious but this time of year, aren't all coaches out on the field at that time?  For that matter, most players are as well.  I am not speaking from a whole lot of experience on this particular topic but agree with previous post that the mid-morning their time thought seems most logical for catching a college coach in his office.

Cabbage,

   I assume the same, though not sure how most assistants handle such things. Calling mid-morning is a tough option for most kids. However, having said that, I just stopped this post in the middle because my son called. He had called an RC at a school Friday and left a message saying he'd call today at 4:30. That coach called my son's coach and left his cell number and said to call today, which he did. I guess it depends on whether they want to talk to you or not. :-)

 

edit: son said it sounded like he was at practice.

Last edited by roothog66

This is an interesting topic... I consider this circumstance similar to trying to raise money or find a job. Referrals from your inner circle are best. Warm leads are next best. Then weaker associations are to follow. This doesn't mean in my opinion though "cold calls" are an awful idea. It means the failure rate is high and the message needs to constantly be revised to get better responses.  

I would suggest the voicemail (or brief conversation) be followed up by an email with the player's resume and a video. I think this at least gives you a fighting shot that the coach might like the video/resume and shoot a quick note back.

This costs nothing but time, so don't see the harm. I did this with a bunch of coaches and sent them my summer schedule as well (following up before attending). Then after the showcase/tournament, followed up again.

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I agree that trying to get a coach to answer a cold call now will be difficult as they are preparing for their season.

Here's what I'd suggest.  To do this you'll need one of your travel or high school coaches who is readily available and willing.  Make a call "Coach College U" and if you get voicemail, let them know exactly when you'll call back (as you're already doing).  If you don't get  live voice on the second call, leave them the cell number of the coach willing to help, and leave a message that the number you're leaving is Coach XXXXX and that if and when  he (Coach College U) is able to talk, please call or text Coach XXXXX to have your son call back.

While we never used this in cold calling, we used if a lot with coaches that were recruiting my son.  It's a much easier way than swings and misses with the phone and not knowing if you're being ignored or just simply missing the coach.

Using a HS or travel coach as the conduit for the college coach to initiate a call back was the most successful way we found before my son got past the contact date.

Last edited by Nuke83
Nuke83 posted:

I agree that trying to get a coach to answer a cold call now will be difficult as they are preparing for their season.

Here's what I'd suggest.  To do this you'll need one of your travel or high school coaches who is readily available and willing.  Make a call "Coach College U" and if you get voicemail, let them know exactly when you'll call back (as you're already doing).  If you don't get  live voice on the second call, leave them the cell number of the coach willing to help, and leave a message that the number you're leaving is Coach XXXXX and that if and when  he (Coach College U) is able to talk, please call or text Coach XXXXX to have your son call back.

While we never used this in cold calling, we used if a lot with coaches that were recruiting my son.  It's a much easier way that swings and misses with the phone and not knowing if you're being ignored or just simply missing the coach.

Using a HS or travel coach as the conduit for the college coach to initiate a call back was the most successful way we found before my son got past the contact date.

He's used a version of that. Days before calling he's left an email with video, links to his PG and PBR profiles and "updates" to his questionnaire - summer and HS coaches emails and cell numbers. It worked yesterday. He had left a voice mail the day before saying he'd call back at 4:30 the next day. The coach called his summer program director, told him my son had left the message on his office phone and asked him to call his cell.

My son said he was at practice, spoke for about four minutes and asked him to try and make a home game as soon as possible and they would meet up after the game.

roothog66 posted:

Great point.

 

I know you have told me that I am not up to speed on recruiting (in so many words or less) but understand that essentially, the process remains the same as it has been since mine was being recruited.     

One other point, keep in mind that Head Coaches are often busy with other responsibilities , especially the power conference schools. Most players don't even meet the HC until they are ready to make the offer or meet you on a recruiting trip.  They are busy being Head Coaches and some never leave home as well.  

Always direct your calls to the RC , he is THE guy you want to talk to. HE is the guy you have to impress, he is the guy who has to sell you to the HC.  

JMO

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