When you go to a showcase you want to get the attention of as many coaches as possible. To do that you have to be on your best game throughout the whole showcase. The coaches will only stay at a game for about 5-10 minutes so you have to perform your best at all times, or they will get a bad impression. But can they only watch you from the stands? It depends.
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College coaches can approach you up to 6 times during your senior year. They can evaluate each recruit once per month during the months of September, October, and November. While you're at a showcase any coach can come approach you at any point. Even though NCAA rules prohibit you from contacting a coach until June 15th of your sophomore year, coaches can come to you any time they want. This is why you want to do your best during the showcase–there are very few times where a coach will stay for the whole game or even a whole half.
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Some of the best ways to make sure you play your best is getting to the showcase a night or two early. Be sure to get your rest and drink a bunch of water. You want to stay hydrated if you're going to play multiple games in a day. You also want to eat a good healthy meal the night before, and it's probably not best to try anything new and risk having a bad reaction. You also want to bring extra water the days of the games and have some light snacks for in between games.
Nothing's guaranteed in the recruiting process. But following these tips can help your body adjust for a long day of games, help you play your best, and give coaches a reason to say hello.
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* Originally published on July 8, 2022, by Chris Russo
