Junior Golf Rankings

Do College Coaches Use Swing Videos To Evaluate Recruits?

Make sure your video includes what coaches are looking for!

Sending your golf swing and short game video to a coach can be an excellent way for them to learn more about you as a player. In many cases, a coach may not have the opportunity to watch you play or practice at a competition site. This is particularly true for Division II and III coaches with limited recruiting budgets. Although the video cannot capture everything about your golf game, it is a good way to make an initial impression on a coach and hopefully to generate some interest as a potential recruit. Before producing it, make sure you understand what should be included (or excluded) in this video.

Your swing and short game video should include:

* A brief introduction by the player stating name, hometown, and graduation class

* Two swings with a short iron/wedge from a "down the line" angle

* Two swings with a short iron/wedge from a "face on" angle

* Two swings with a mid/long iron from a "down the line" angle

* Two swings with a mid/long iron from a "face on" angle

* Two swings with a driver from a "down the line" angle

* Two swings with a driver from a "face on" angle

* Make sure the camera is positioned correctly to capture these angles

* Swings should be in normal speed (One or two total swings in slow motion is acceptable.)

* Several chips, pitches, and bunker shots from both angles

* Several short, medium, and long putts from both angles

The total video should last approximately 5-6 minutes in length. The player should be neat in appearance (dressed professionally), and the setting should be organized and without distractions (other players, vehicles driving by, etc.)

Try to avoid the following when producing your video:

* Excessive audio (includes background noise, instructor giving a lesson, etc.)

* Drawing lines on the screen to indicate positions, angles, etc.

* Poor video angles and/or an unstable camera

* A tape that exceeds 5-6 minutes in length

* Slow motion swings (see above)

* Special effects

Ideally, you could e-mail your swing and short game video to a coach or post it to YouTube and email the link. Remember to review the video first to make sure the quality is what you are looking for. If you use a phone to film the video, turn the phone sideways for a wider angle.

Remember to keep the video short and simple. Sometimes less is more!

Coach Brooks
Red Numbers Golf®