The Power of Video

Kelly Kulina: Your Link to the Colleges

The video component of recruiting has come a long way in the last 20 years. Football coaches were way ahead their time with the use of film and video when it came to recruiting, scouting, and teaching of the game. Historically, college football coaches would request video of their prospective recruits from their high school coaches to assess the players overall athletic ability and skill. The player’s ability level and, subsequently, the coaches’ interest would determine the next steps in the process. Today, video footage is an absolute must for sports like baseball, and it has become a serious disadvantage to ignore this component!

Somewhere in the country on a daily basis, there is baseball being played. Even with the advancement of modern technology and communications today, players are still being overlooked because of coaching staff limitations, time and budgets. Smaller D-III schools notwithstanding, even the larger schools do not have the resources to attend every camp, showcase or tournament in the country. This is where video can start to fill the gap!

I can still remember getting several mail crates of VHS tapes daily at the University of Maryland and having stacks of VHS tapes all over the office. I would review what I could in the office, but found myself having to take them home and on the road trips just to keep up! Regrettably, because of volume and inconvenience, I’m sure there were a lot we never got to. Fortunately, today it is much easier now and a lot more convenient with online video available. There is nothing better for a coach than having the opportunity to recruit and evaluate players on the computer at his desk!

The purpose of having a video is not necessarily to get an offer from a college coach. However, using video to promote yourself to coaches can definitely make a difference and vault you onto his staff’s radar. Just as with football coaches, baseball coaches can use video to assess and determine the next steps to take with a prospect. “Does he have the ability to play at this level?” “Should we contact him, his coach and/or scouts in area? “Do we need to see him play in person, and if so, when?” Writing a letter or an e-mail to a coach is a step in the right direction, but without having the opportunity to evaluate your ability and skills on the field, there is not much else working in your favor. Providing video increases the chance that someone on the coaching staff will respond favorably.

So, what is the most effective way to deliver video footage? Personally, I’m a big fan of presenting footage prior to an unofficial visit, or as follow-up to that visit. Having an idea of what the coach thinks of you as a player prior to your visit can save you a trip or help you prioritize your visits to certain schools. I’ve even seen players bring up their video during the visit, so that they can get in-person feedback from the coach they are meeting with! Regardless of the situation, you should include a proper cover letter addressed to the coach. You need to introduce yourself, why you’re interested in the program and make reference to the video provided. Don’t expect a coach to watch your video without a proper introduction!

Please remember that this isn’t an audition tape- coaches need to use this for evaluation first and foremost. Anything above a display of your athleticism and baseball skills can lead to unwanted distraction of a coach’s attention and can be a turnoff. Leave the duty of first impressions to in-person visits to campus. The following should be avoided in athletic footage:
• Music
• Interviews
• Play-by-play from Mom and Dad!
• Any other unwanted noise(s).

It’s no longer considered far-sighted to have video available for review; rather, it’s now essential. Baseball plays more games than any other intercollegiate sport, players train every day while on campus, and the coaches are on the road recruiting when they’re not playing or training. Many times, you have to go above and beyond to reach these coaches throughout the year, whether they are on the field, in their office or on the road. However, more coaches are beginning to make full use of the technology today. Remember, there is no “dead period” in the recruiting process if you have a video, so take full advantage while you can!

Kelly Kulina is the Senior Vice President of College Recruiting at Baseball Factory. Kulina is a former Associate Head Coach and recruiting coordinator with the University of Maryland. As a former recruiting coordinator for ten years in the ACC, Kulina has vast contacts and is widely respected throughout the nation. From 1989 to 2000, Kulina coached 46 players who were selected in the MLB draft.