There are many factors that recruits should consider when deciding on a college. One that might surprise you? Their potential future team's style of play. Today we answer the following question from a reader:

Q: How important is a college team's style of play in the recruiting process?

A: I think this depends on the athlete. For some, they might want a coach that promotes their same style of play. This could make the transition from high school to college smoother. However, sometimes it's positive to join a team with a different style of play. This could at first seem strange and awkward for the player, but this difference could allow the athlete to play outside their comfort zone and reach their full potential. 

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Deciding on a style of play that the athlete is looking for also depends on the goals of the athlete. If they want to simply reach their highest level playing the style that they're used to, they should consider finding a team that plays accordingly. If they want to be challenged and if they want to learn a new style, they should be open to different style teams. 

Related: The Importance of “Roster Stalking” in the Recruiting Process (and 5 Tips for Recruits)

With all of this being said, this should not be the main factor determining the college because coaches and players come and go quite often. One season the team could play a certain style, and after the coach gets fired and the team loses five seniors, the composition of the team is drastically different. So consider your preferred style of play in your recruiting process, but don't let it override other factors, like whether or not your college is well-suited to your academic goals.

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* Originally published on January 6, 2023, by 2aDays Staff