Dream Hammer Media – DIY Recruiting Video Guide

DIY Recruiting Video – Step‑by‑Step Guide

Follow along with this video, then use the tabs below for every detail.

Game Day Footage

This is what coaches want most. Get this right and you're 80% there.

Where to Stand

Position	Best Spot	Backup Spot
Batters	Behind home plate, slightly elevated	First base line
Pitchers	Behind home plate OR center field	First base line
Infielders	Behind first base looking toward infield	Behind home plate
Outfielders	Center field	Behind first base

Filming Tips

Hold your phone HORIZONTALLY (landscape) – never vertical for game footage.
Start recording 2 seconds before the pitch, stop 2 seconds after the play.
Follow the ball smoothly – no jerky movements.
Never use digital zoom – it makes video blurry. Walk closer instead.
Film at least 5 at‑bats (or 20 pitches for a pitcher).
Pro Tip Tap and HOLD on the player to lock focus (AE/AF Lock).

Combine‑Style Drills (With Proof)

Coaches want to see VERIFIED numbers, not just what you tell them.

60‑Yard Dash

Film from the side so the whole run is visible.
Start recording before they start running.
Show the stopwatch or timer clearly – hold it up to the camera after the run.
A football field is great because the yard markers prove the distance.

Exit Velocity (Hitting)

Film from the side, showing the full swing.
Get at least 5 swings.
After each swing, WALK CLOSER to the radar gun or HitTrax screen and hold it steady for 2‑3 seconds so we can read the number.

Arm Strength (Throwing)

For infield/outfield: film from the side showing the whole throw.
For pitchers: film from behind home plate.
Get at least 5 throws, and show the radar gun reading after each.
Tip Have someone read the number out loud – we can hear it in the video.

Player Interview – 5 to 7 Minutes

This is where coaches learn who your athlete is, not just what they can do.

Setting Up

Find a quiet place with good natural light (near a window is perfect).
Put the phone on a tripod at EYE LEVEL.
Frame the shot from the chest up.
Look at the CAMERA LENS (not yourself on the screen).
Relax – be yourself!

Questions to Ask

"Tell me about yourself. Where are you from and what school do you go to?"
"When did you start playing baseball/softball?"
"What position do you play and why do you love it?"
"Describe yourself as a player. What are your strengths?"
"What are you working on improving right now?"
"Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in sports and how you overcame it."
"What are your goals for this season?"
"What are you looking for in a college? Academics? Team culture? Location?"
"How do you handle failure or a bad game?"
"Why should a college coach want you on their team?"
"What's your GPA? What do you want to study?"
"Tell me something about yourself that's not baseball/softball."

Skills Breakdown – By Position

Film 3‑5 clips of these secondary skills. They show coaches that your athlete understands the game.

For Pitchers

Pickoff move to 1st	Film from side, show entire move
Pickoff move to 2nd	Film from behind, show spin move
Fielding a bunt	Simulate a bunt, field and throw to 1st
Covering 1st base	Film from behind, show the banana route to the bag

For Catchers

Pop time to 2nd	Film from side, show catch and throw
Blocking in the dirt	Have someone throw balls in the dirt, show recovery
Fielding bunts	Quick exit, barehand or glove, accurate throw

For Infielders

Double play turn	Film from side, show feed and pivot
Slow roller	Charge, barehand pick, strong throw
Backhand play	Deep in the hole, plant and throw

For Outfielders

Throw to 2nd, 3rd, home	Show crow hop and accurate throws
Track ball over head (left & right)	Run back on balls hit over each shoulder
Charge and field	Come in hard on a slow roller, quick throw

How to Upload Your Videos to YouTube

Follow these steps exactly. You'll create one playlist with all your videos and send us the link.

Step 1: Name Your Videos (Before Uploading)

Coaches get hundreds of emails. Make it easy for them to find your clips.

Bad names (coaches delete these): video.mp4, IMG_4927.mov, swing.m4v
Good names (coaches love these):
2026-03-15_vs_Lincoln_60YardDash_6.8sec.mp4
2026-03-15_vs_Lincoln_ExitVelo_96mph.mp4
2026-03-15_vs_Lincoln_PickoffMove_1B.mp4

The pattern: Date_Opponent_Skill_Metric.mp4

Step 2: Upload to YouTube as "Unlisted"

Go to youtube.com and sign in with a Google account (or create one for free).
Click the camera icon with a + sign (top right), then choose "Upload Video".
Select your video file(s). You can upload many at once.
For Visibility, choose "Unlisted" – this means ONLY people with the link can see it.
Add a title using the naming pattern above.
Click "Publish".
Copy the video link (it will look like youtube.com/watch?v=...).

Important Do NOT choose "Private" – we won't be able to see it. "Unlisted" is perfect.

Step 3: Create a Playlist

Go to your YouTube channel (click your profile icon → "Your channel").
Click the "Playlists" tab.
Click "New Playlist".
Name it "[Player Name] Recruiting Videos" (e.g., "Jake Thompson Recruiting Videos").
Set the playlist to "Unlisted".
Add all your uploaded videos to this playlist.

Step 4: Get Your Playlist Link

Open your playlist.
Copy the link from your browser's address bar.
It should look like: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...

✅ Done You will paste this link into the intake form.

✅ Your Final Checklist

Game day footage (5‑10 clips)

60‑yard dash video with proof

Exit velocity video with proof

Arm strength video with proof

Player interview (3‑5 minutes)

Position skills videos (3‑5 clips)

All videos uploaded to YouTube (Unlisted)

YouTube playlist created with all videos

Playlist link copied – ready to paste into form

Need a Little Extra Help?

Book a 30‑minute strategy call with me. We'll review your footage, answer every question, and make sure your athlete's profile stands out.

SCHEDULE YOUR STRATEGY CALL

30 minutes • Free for DIY clients • Ask me anything