5 Virtual Recruiting Tools for Pitchers That WORK!

Hey There Friend!

June is FLYING by for me...how about you? I've been really busy creating this month! I have some exciting NEW programs that I will start rolling out later this summer. This is also week #22 of sharing weekly content with you. One of the goals I set for 2020 was that I was going to be BETTER at showing up for YOU consistently.

I am certainly NOT a great writer, it takes me way longer than it should to put these little articles together. Also, I really do not like talking on social media videos, and when I do, it always takes me several attempts to get things right...ugh! : ) BUT, just like I tell my kids, growth only happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone and so I'll keep at it for myself and, more importantly, for YOU!

Virtual learning has become a new normal for all of us in one way or another. I haven't gotten to attend a single game in person yet this summer BUT I've watched many of my pitchers throwing via some pretty great live streams! You can see a lot when the people running the live stream know what they are doing...and there is a good internet connection! ; )

As many of you know, the recruiting environment is VASTLY different this summer. The two most common recruiting tools, coaches attending games and college camps, have either been eliminated or restricted this summer. NCAA Division 1 programs are in a dead period through the end of July. This means coaches can't attend games or host camps. While other programs NCAA D2 & D3, NAIA and JuCo programs ARE out recruiting, they may have restrictions and they aren't hosting camps or traveling to games as much as they would under "normal" situations.

So pitchers, what options ARE available to get in front of coaches right now?

Here are 5 things you should be doing this summer to help coaches get to know you:

1. Put together a UNIQUE skills video to share with coaches

This shouldn't be your standard skills video, but something that helps coaches really get to know YOU!  It should showcase your strongest pitching skills AND also let coaches see your personality and softball IQ. What can you do to make yourself STAND OUT to a coach...to make them remember YOU?

I created a YouTube channel to show some of the pitchers that train with me. I'm just starting to add videos and though it might be helpful to share the LINK with you. Each video is a little different and it may give you some ideas about things you could do! Here are some of the unique things you will see:

• Kira and her catcher Ava work innings together and discuss what they want to throw against certain types of hitters
• Jalen and her catcher Tristin show their personalities right from the beginning with a fun little interview
• Maddy did captions on her video to talk about some of her strengths and areas for improvement
• Ava and her catcher Brinlee showcased how well Ava works the bottom of the zone

ALL of them showed how they might sequence their pitches against hitters WITHOUT clipping (stopping and restarting the camera between pitches) at-bats. Coaches want to see what is REAL not perfect. You can show that to them by creating a video like this!

2. Film game footage to send coaches

Showing what you are able to do against hitters during a game is a great tool for them to see your skills without physically being there in person. The key is getting to correct angle to show them your location, movement and deception. HERE is video of some of my pitchers that I shot last summer. Watch how you can see the ball break, catch the corner or get the hitter off-time. This is the angle you want to show coaches! This is a "highlight" reel of pitches. You can create something like this for coaches BUT I would also record clips of you throwing an entire at-bat so coaches can see how you set hitters up! 

3. Connect with coaches directly through social media or email

If you aren't communicating with coaches or programs on social media or sending them emails yet, it's time to start! You can find almost every college program and coach on Twitter OR you can get a direct email to coaches on their school website. If you use Twitter, you can share video on your feed and tag coaches. HERE is an example from one of my pitchers. Emberly does a great job of keeping coaches informed about what she is doing at home and retweeting information about live streams that her team is filming. She also shows her personality by sharing her workouts and including her little sister in many of her videos like THIS one. It's certainly a way to make coaches remember her and get to know her beyond how she pitches!

I would also suggest following up with a direct message to each coach or program that is on your top 10 list! It's a much more personal way to connect with them so you can update each coach on things you may not share on your general feed. You could also do this through an email. Keep in mind, depending on your age and the school you contact, they may not be able to respond to you due to NCAA recruiting rules. Make sure you have your graduation year in your social media bios and include it in every email you send.

4. Live stream video your games whenever possible

Some travel organizations and schools will offer this service for you but, if they don't, a parent or fan attending your games can do it!  There are so many platforms that will allow you to share video easily. I've watched several live feeds on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, you are already set up! If you don't want to stream from your personal page, form a group for your team and make it public so anyone can access it! YouTube live is another GREAT option to check out. Remember to let everyone know WHEN you will be streaming so they can make plans to watch!

5. Stay in regular contact with the coaches and programs you are most interested in attending

This is the MOST IMPORTANT thing for you to do! Sending one message or video is just the beginning! Coaches need to hear from you CONSISTENTLY to get to know you and your skills. During your competition season, shoot for WEEKLY communication. Send video from one of your games or practice sessions or update them with a written or video message. Let them know how things are going, what's working well, what you've learned, or what you are trying to improve before your next game. Don't forget to ask them about how they are doing too! You need to get to know them just like they need to get to know you!

Now, here's your challenge! Pick out one of these ways to start connecting with coaches this weekend! If you are a parent/coach, help your daughter get started! This is a great way for her to take some real action towards making her dream of playing college softball become a reality! These are little things that can make a BIG difference in the relationships you (or your pitcher) are forming this summer and beyond!

Have a great weekend and I'll be in touch again next week...same time, same place!

All my BEST,
Myndie