1. Put your Best Highlights First

Don’t save your best highlights for the end, as I have seen many players do. Once a coach puts your tape on, you might only get 30-40 seconds to show him something. If he is not impressed he will most likely not turn your film back on ever again.

2. Show a Variety of your skills

Your first plays should show your best highlights in a variety of areas, showing coaches your best abilities in different areas. Some position examples below:

QB’s – Show the whole route package so the coach sees you can make all the throws. Don’t just show you throwing the deep ball, coaches want to see the slants and outs too.

RB’s – Focus on displaying your speed but don’t just show your untouched up the middle runs. Show coaches you can be physical between the tackles, have the speed to get outside, pass protection, and your catching ability.

3. Keep it short

Put all of your standout plays in your tape and stop after that.  If you’re a Quarterback, coaches don’t want to see all 30 of your hitch route completions.

4. If you don’t have many big plays, show your speed

If you are a skill position, coaches want to see something that shows off your speed.  For bigger guys, show highlights of you running downfield and making a block.  Coaches look for speed in different ways; such as a stop and change of direction to make a play.

5. Spotlight yourself before every play

Use the spotlight to point yourself out before the snap of every play on your tape. Don’t stop in the middle of the play and spotlight yourself, so the video stays fluid.

6. Special Effects and Music

Special effects are not necessary and sometimes can irritate coaches. While music is fine, as long as it is on the cleaner side, but most coaches mute the tape before starting it anyways.

7. Include your GPA, SAT, and ACT scores

Coaches want to see that you are hard working and have what it takes to be eligible for them when you are there.