YouTube for Recruiting: Simple, Smart, Scrappy.
🔒 Limiting Beliefs:
- “We can’t afford a professional videographer.”
- “Our games aren’t televised.”
- “I don’t know how to edit videos.”
- “Coaches don’t look at YouTube links, do they?”
- “We’re late. Everyone else already has highlights up.”
These beliefs delay action, discourage families, and keep talented players hidden in plain sight.
💡 Liberating Truths:
- You don’t need Hollywood production to get recruited—you need clarity, consistency, and coach-ready links.
- Coaches love YouTube—it’s accessible, fast, and easy to share internally with their staff.
- You can film, edit, and post using your phone, Hudl, and free tools—no budget, no problem.
- YouTube = your permanent recruiting portfolio. It’s 10x better than DMing random clips.
✨ Transformation: From Hidden to Highly Visible
With this YouTube strategy, you’ll move from:
- Scattered clips → to a clean, intentional channel
- Hard-to-share files → to click-and-watch links coaches appreciate
- Feeling behind → to being ahead of 90% of recruits
This strategy helps you stand out with clarity and professionalism, even if you’re not ranked or viral.
📘 STEP-BY-STEP STRATEGY
🏷️ 1. Create a YouTube Channel (YourName Basketball)
- Use a free Gmail account
- Channel Name:
Jordan Reyes BasketballorYourName 2026 PG Highlights - Add a banner image (Canva is free)
- Add a short channel description:
“Class of 2026 | 5’7 PG | GPA 3.7 | Texas | [AAU Team] | Game Film, Highlights & Training”
🎮 2. Post These 5 Essential Videos
🔥 A. Highlight Reel (2–3 minutes max)
Purpose: Give coaches a quick “WOW” first impression.
Shot List Format:
- Best plays first (coaches may only watch 30–60 seconds)
- Mix of:
• Transition offense
• Spot-up shooting
• On-ball defense
• Playmaking passes
• Rebounding & hustle - Add simple white text overlay:
#1 in white, 5’7 PG,Class of 2026, etc. - Upload as:
YourName – 2025 Spring Highlights – 5’7 PG – GPA 3.7
Use Hudl, CapCut, or Canva video to edit.
🏀 B. Full Game #1 (Unguarded, Good Matchup)
Purpose: Prove you’re consistent in a full game.
- Start with 15 seconds of context:
📍 Opponent
🏆 Tournament
🗓️ Date
🏀 Your jersey color and number - Upload as:
YourName Full Game vs [Team] – April 2025 – 5’7 PG #11 in white
🏀 C. Full Game #2 (High IQ, Leadership)
Purpose: Show poise, team communication, and situational awareness.
🎯 D. Skills/Training Video (2–5 minutes)
Purpose: Show your daily habits, work ethic, and technical foundation.
Shot List Format:
- Ballhandling drills (stationary + moving)
- Shooting reps (form shooting, 3s, midrange, off the catch)
- Finishing series (both hands, creative footwork)
- Leadership clip (encouraging teammates, energy)
Keep music clean or use voiceover if possible.
🧐 E. “Why Me” / Character Video (Optional but Powerful)
Purpose: Let coaches feel your presence, voice, and leadership.
Just 30–60 seconds. Talk directly to the camera.
“Hi Coach, I’m Jordan Reyes, class of 2026 point guard from Austin, TX. I pride myself on leadership, defense, and creating great shots for my teammates. I’m a 3.7 GPA student, and I’m looking for a program where I can grow on and off the court.”
Use your phone. Quiet background. Wear team gear or gym setting.
🔗 3. Make a Playlist for Each Type
- Playlist 1: Highlights
- Playlist 2: Full Games
- Playlist 3: Training
- Playlist 4: Recruiting Portfolio
This gives coaches easy navigation.
📤 4. Add Links in Your Email Footer and Resume
Add your YouTube channel and specific video links to:
- Email outreach to coaches
- Your resume PDF
- Google Docs or folders sent for pre-reads
- Twitter bio or Linktree
✅ 5. Update Every 3 Months
Set reminders to:
- Add new games or highlights
- Replace older reels if they no longer represent your current level
- Keep thumbnails and titles professional and searchable
💬 Closing Message
“Visibility beats perfection. Coaches recruit what they can see.”
– Coach Chris Corbett