A good highlight video is often a coach’s or scout’s first contact with a player. Most decide within the first 30 seconds whether to keep watching. These are the rules that make a difference.
1. Lead with your best
Put your best plays right at the start. No long intros, opening music or photos. Viewers want to see basketball.
2. Short and to the point
3 to 5 minutes is enough. Longer videos are rarely watched to the end. If you have a lot of footage, save it for a second video, such as a full game.
3. Make it clear who you are
Before each clip, or with an arrow or circle in the first second, show who you are on the court. Also list your jersey number and uniform color in the description.
4. Show your whole game, not just buckets
Coaches want to see defense, passing, rebounding and decision-making, not just shooting. A good help-side rotation or an extra pass says a lot about your basketball IQ.
5. Info on screen and in the description
Include your name, position, height, high school graduation year, club and a guardian’s contact. That way, anyone who liked the video knows how to follow up.
6. Image quality
Use footage shot from a high angle, with a steady camera and the whole court in view. Avoid shaky or close-up shots.
7. Keep it updated
Update the video every season. Showing progress matters as much as showing talent.