Highlight videos have become an essential tool for young baseball players looking to catch the attention of coaches and scouts. A well-made video can showcase your child’s skills, work ethic, and potential—all from the comfort of home.

But not all highlight videos are created equal. Coaches often sift through hundreds of reels, so it’s important to make yours stand out for the right reasons.

This guide breaks down what coaches actually want to see in a youth baseball highlight video and how you can craft one that truly showcases your player’s talent.

Why a Great Highlight Video Matters

In today’s recruiting and tryout environment, coaches rely on video more than ever. A clear, concise highlight reel can:

• Provide coaches with a first impression before meeting your player

• Highlight specific skills relevant to your player’s position

• Demonstrate game awareness and athleticism

• Save time for coaches during busy recruiting seasons

However, if your video is too long, disorganized, or low-quality, it can hurt your player’s chances rather than help them.

What Coaches Really Look For

While every coach may have slight preferences, most agree on key elements:

1. Quality Over Quantity

• Keep the video between 3 to 5 minutes.

• Show the best plays and avoid filler clips.

2. Clear Player Identification

• Start with a title card that includes your player’s name, age, position(s), and contact info.

• Use captions or overlays to identify plays if possible.

3. Position-Specific Skills

• Hitters: Include swing mechanics from multiple angles, exit velocity if available, and game at-bats.

• Pitchers: Show a variety of pitches, velocity readings, and mound presence.

• Fielders: Highlight defensive plays, footwork, and arm strength.

4. Game Footage Over Practice Clips

• Game situations reveal how players perform under pressure.

• Coaches want to see competitive speed, situational awareness, and effort.

5. Athleticism and Work Ethic

• Show hustle plays, base running, and moments where your player demonstrates grit or leadership.

Tips for Creating an Effective Highlight Video

Plan Ahead

• Collect footage throughout the season—don’t wait until the last minute.

• Ask coaches or teammates to help record games.

Use Simple Editing Tools

• Basic apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or even free online editors can help you trim and organize clips.

• Avoid flashy transitions or music that distracts from the content.

Get Feedback

• Show your draft to coaches, instructors, or experienced parents for honest input.

What NOT to Include

• Long stretches of low-impact or non-baseball footage.

• Overly edited or fast-paced clips that make it hard to assess skills.

• Footage with poor lighting or audio quality.

• Clips that do not feature the player clearly or are from too far away.

Final Thoughts

A great highlight video is an invaluable asset for any young baseball player. By focusing on quality footage, clear presentation, and position-specific skills, you can create a reel that grabs a coach’s attention and helps open doors to new opportunities.

At Swing Lab, we emphasize not just developing skill but also helping players market themselves effectively. If you’re interested in professional video reviews or personalized feedback on your highlight reel, reach out to us for support.

Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? Book a session with Swing Lab today to get expert coaching on hitting mechanics, pitching, or fielding—and let us help you shine on and off the field.

from: ncsa sports