Hey All, I would greatly appreciate it if you guys could give me some feedback on my Freshmen year recruiting video. Granted, I think that I have improved much over the summer, but I would like to hear what you guys think. My ultimate goal for a school is University of Michigan, or an Ivy.
Thank You!!!
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I would advise you to put on baseball clothes and re-shoot. Wearing shorts will suggest to many people that you don't take the game very seriously, and it gives them an excuse not to watch.
Just IMHO.
Going to be honest here, you need to develop your game some more. Work on your game, get stronger, you are only a sophomore this year. Next time you shoot a video get one of your team mates to help at first base. Once you release the video it's out there so make sure you are really ready to do so. If you are targeting Ivy also need to include your G.P.A. Would also add height and weight as well as a 60 time of it is decent.
Ok, please don't take this the wrong way....but we had really good luck when we sent my son's video out...so I feel like we did a pretty good job (and had coaches tell us that same thing). You asked for an opinion...I don't mean to make this sound harsh...I'll just tell you what I see.
1. Do not send this video to anyone as it is......it will do you absolutely no good
2. There is no reason to show you hitting from behind home plate...cut all that out..and only use the shots that are looking toward your face/chest
3. As was said before...get rid of the shorts...and it doesn't look like you're wearing cleats...as you are slipping all over at the plate
4. Find a good instructor....have them teach you the proper way to field a ball in the OF....including a good "crow-hop". Also, don't worry about where your throws are going...as you can't see that in the video...but you can tell that you're needing to throw the ball 40-50 feet in the air to get it to home....that won't work.
5. Shoot your IF from a location between home and first....so the camera sees you from the front...not the side.
6. Zoom tight enough so they see you release the throw....nobody cares if you hit the net at first...or the first baseman....
7. Throw hard....looping balls from SS to 1B won't impress anyone.
Good luck.....my son's video did a lot of good in getting the recruiting process started for him.....you need to rework yours quite a bit before you consider sending it to coaches.
Hey Guys thanks for the responses. Helped me realize the video/my skills need a lot of work. Also, thanks for pointing out the baseball uniform thing, never realized that until now! I was a little embarrassed to post this to be honest, but I decided to leave it because I want an honest opinion from people who really know their baseball. Ill be making a new video in a week or so and maybe Ill put that one up to show a more updated portrayal of my skills.
Ill be making a new video in a week or so and maybe Ill put that one up to show a more updated portrayal of my skills.
Too long. Make the new one only 2-3 minutes. Keep working hard, get stronger & good things will happen. Love your enthusiasm! 
WB1,
Sounds like you can be coached. Great response from you regarding the posts above. If you listen to the folks on this site and work really hard, you will be way ahead of most.
Great advise from the posters above. My $0.02, go to Perfect Game USA and model your video like they do theirs. Most coaches only need to see a few swings, fielding,running and throwing. The goal should be, just enough to get a call/email and interest.
Show your GPA, SAT & ACT. Start taking these tests early, so if need be, you can take again to improve. Great grades & scores open doors. Always be in full uniform, can't tell how many times I've heard "looks good in a uniform".
Remember, the video doesn't get you a spot or scholarship! It gets you interest. You just want the RC's to want to see you live. Rarely did a RC ever ask for video for PO Jr, and when he was asked he used what was done at a PG USA event.
Focus more on becoming the best you can be on th field, in the class and your social media footprint. Good luck & keep us posted.
Drew - I like your swing.
If you want to play at a D1 like Michigan or an Ivy - you need to be able to run the 60 yard dash less than 7.0 - hopefully less than that. You need to be able to throw about 85 mph across the infield. You can develop arm strength long tossing. Your 60 time is a huge function on how fast you start off the block. Read all the threads here on improving 60 time and set out to do that. The D1's are looking for more than just hitters. They are looking for athletes. Improve your athleticism and you can achieve your stated goals.
I know you love your dad, we all do. You need to upgrade your BP thrower though.
I know you love your dad, we all do. You need to upgrade your BP thrower though.
My son would appreciate this!
I know you love your dad, we all do. You need to upgrade your BP thrower though.
+1 on that. Though I did enjoy seeing him duck while behind the screen. I know I've done that.
What do you all think of game video? There's a dad on my kid's team who tapes all the games, edits out the dead space, and puts on Youtube. It's a lot of work and very cool. The quality is good, though he does shoot from just off the plate. I was thinking I could pull clips of my kid's AB's and defensive plays and put together in a video.
Suggestions for the video:
- edit down to 4 minutes max
- add game footage
- add your height and weight
- add GPA, WGPA, Class Rank, SAT, ACT, etc
- change your position from Left Field to OF
- add your name, email, etc info to the Description section (for copy/paste)
College coaches are primarily looking for speed, athleticism and offense from their outfielders. Keep working on speed and strength, and try to work with a good hitting coach.
Best of luck with reaching your goals!
From my experience it's best to include both skills and game footage, but still keep it under 4 minutes.
If you would include the theme from the Titanic as a music bed underneath the video i think it would add to the ambiance. Just kidding, great advice from the board....i applaud you putting it on here to accept any and all critiques. Kudos.
I know you love your dad, we all do. You need to upgrade your BP thrower though.
My son would appreciate this!
If you really love your dad, you should upgrade your L-screen...
Drew you can easily cut at least a minute, if not more, out of the video by editing it down. You keep the camera running between each hit/fielding skill. as you were able to put on a title screen I am assuming you have some type of video editing software. on your next video take a little time to trim out you resetting yourself between each rep.
Game footage!!!
- Guys at the collegiate-level all hit BP pretty well...
- Guys at the collegiate-level all take grounders and fly-balls pretty well...
Ask yourself, does this really separate me from the other recruits at the University of Michigan, or an Ivy?
I think it is really cool you are here getting advice on your own. There are some great suggestions above. I would like to add one thing I learned at another site. When taking infield/outfield you don't have to be in that exact position every time. Instead of running back to your original position every time after you field and throw the ball; have the person hitting you grounders/flies hit another ball right after you release the throw. This will show more athleticism in your video. If you get a ball to your left, have the person hit the next one to your right. Have him move it around. Don't edit any mistakes, just keep moving on your toes.
Also, find someone really good to teach you mechanics and get a strength coach if you can afford it. If you can't afford it, find a way to get the best info you need. You really need to start now at this age. Don't wait. Last thing... play in a lot of games. Learn to be a player/winner.
I've seen some really good video, quality and editing..... but don't put any music with it.
