I'm wondering if it is necessary to have a video done if your son has videos from Jr. Nationals and Jr. AA as well as other sites? It seems to me that it gets a little redundant. We've been sending emails with the link to these profile pages. Is that too inconvenient for the coach. I was thinking it would be easier to view and get an independent POV w/better information. Someone told me I was wasting time unless I attached a custom video with multiple angles.
Your input is appreciated!
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I believe both are beneficial. The video may give them the reason to come watch.
If your son was invited to Jr Nationals, then he's already getting plenty of exposure. However, I see very little down-side to putting together a short video and including a link to it with all of his e-mail correspondence. If the coach thinks it's an inconvenience, then he can ignore it.
Most of the "standard" pitcher videos that I've seen from PG showcases are about 30 seconds long, shot from the pitcher's throwing arm side. You can shoot your own video and add any of these options:
- view from behind the mound
- titles for his different pitches so the viewer can compare arm slots
- stretch and wind-up
- gun reading if you have one and if the number is impressive
- slow-motion sequence for one pitch
- live game action (what does he look like in a big game)
Just some ideas, but it doesn't have to be fancy and should only be about 3 minutes long. Also, include all his contact information in case someone finds it on their own.
It's been said here that you only send a video if the coach asks. Our experience was that if they wanted to see a video that they would ask. that being said, PG videos would be just fine. All you ever want is to get them out to see junior play. Ive never heard that a kid got an offer based on his video. Spend more time and energy on improving skills, better grades and increasing test scores.
After the cream of the crop(PG 10's) is committed, you need other things to stand out and great grades and high test scores go a long way.
Wanted to revive this thread to ask a similar question. My son is going to be contacting some coaches about his interest in their schools and with his upcoming summer baseball schedule. We don't yet have a video - is it okay to contact them without a video or is this very important and we need to make sure we have one to send when he contacts them?
Son is 2016 catcher/OF if that makes a difference as to what the answer will be.
For a C I would send a short video. Pitchers are different as the HC/RC want to see pitchers live and how they handle certain situational counts with a hitter in the box. My 2015 C sent a 2min 20 sec video of his blocking, throwing mechanic, receiving and hitting. Yes 2min 20 sec was enough to display all. HC/RC do not want or have the time to view much more. An experienced RC/HC can evaluate skill from video. He got great response! Certainly helped to reach out to certain schools he had interest in that would not be able to see him play live. Ultimately...HC/RC will still need to see game hitting/fielding whether at their camp or tournament. 2015 got multiple D1, D2, D3 offers from some schools that if not for initial video, follow would not have happened.
From our experience, after our son was seen on the mound by the RC, our 20 videos on you tube were very helpful so that the PC could evaluate him before our visit to campus and subsequent offer. IMHO, if your kid isnt in the mix at the top level showcases and tourneys etc, video is a great way to communicate his skills set on the mound.
