Like most sports, getting noticed by college baseball coaches can be very challenging. With how many high school baseball players they are, it's important to reach out to college coaches early and to make a good first impression. Coach Rick Heller at the University of Iowa says the best way to contact him is with “Email and video… No more than 3-4 minutes,” so when you first reach out to coaches, make sure you send a video that is easy for them to watch and that highlights your talent. We asked coaches their biggest Dos and Don't of creating highlight tapes so you can make one that will get you noticed.

Do's: 

• “Skill set, bat speed, hand quickness, and overall athleticism.” – University of Georgia Head Coach Stricklin
• “A highlight tape should showcase not just your ability but how much you enjoy playing the game.” – Trinity College Head Coach Adamski
• “They are repeatable with their mechanics and how fluid and easy they move. Pitchers, specifically, I will look to see how their arm works and to see if there is any velocity.” – Northwestern University Head Coach Allen
• Show “all the pitches a pitcher throws.” Coach Rick Heller at the University of Iowa
• “Add in some practice work.” Coach Rick Heller at the University of Iowa

Related: Recruiting Advice to Parents from a Trinity Baseball Parent

Don'ts:

• “Don't act like you're too cool to be on the field with everyone else.” -Quinnipiac University Head Coach Delaney
• “We like simple with no music.” Coach Rick Heller at the University of Iowa
• Don't send poor quality footage

* Originally published on February 25, 2022, by Thomas Walker