Coaches do not have hours to watch a full game. They usually decide whether to keep watching within the first 20 to 30 seconds. Your highlight reel is an elevator pitch, not a feature film.
Lead with the Best: Do not "save the best for last." Your top five plays must happen in the first minute.
Keep it Concise: Aim for 3 to 5 minutes. Anything longer risks losing the viewer's attention. About 20 to 25 clips is the sweet spot.
Use "Spot Shadows": Don’t make a coach play "Where's Waldo?" Use a simple arrow or circle to identify yourself before the play starts.
Technical Specs: Film in 1080p if possible. Use a tripod—shaky handheld footage looks unprofessional.
The Title Card: Your video should start with a simple slide: Name, Class Year, Position, GPA, and Contact Info.
Why This Matters: A well-edited reel shows you respect a coach's time. It moves you from the "maybe" pile to the "evaluating" pile.