DIY Recruiting Video Filming Guide

📱 Part 1: What You Need

• A smartphone that shoots 1080p video (iPhone 11 or newer, or any Android from the last 3 years).
• A small tripod or a way to keep the phone steady (a stack of books works in a pinch!).
• An external battery pack if filming a long game (optional but helpful).
• A friend, parent, or coach to help film (or a tripod for stationary shots).
• Good daylight – outdoor filming is best; if indoors, turn on all the lights.

⚙️ Part 2: Phone Settings – Get This Right First!

For iPhone: Go to Settings → Camera → Record Video → choose 1080p HD at 30 fps. Turn ON Grid. For slow‑mo, choose 1080p at 120 fps.

For Android: Open Camera app → Settings → Video resolution → choose 1080p at 30fps. Turn on Grid lines if available.

🎬 Part 3: What to Film (The Checklist)

You'll need four types of video. We'll explain each below.

🎥 Game Day Footage

Where to stand:

Position	Best Spot	Backup
Batters	Behind home plate, 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

• Hold your phone HORIZONTALLY (landscape).
• Start recording 2 seconds before the pitch, stop 2 seconds after the play.
• Follow the ball smoothly – no jerky movements.
• Never use digital zoom – walk closer instead.
• Film at least 5 at‑bats (or 20 pitches for a pitcher).

📊 Combine‑Style Drills (With Proof)

60‑Yard Dash: Film from side, show the whole run, hold up the stopwatch after the run.

Exit Velocity (Hitting): Film from side, 5+ swings, walk close to show radar/HitTrax number.

Arm Strength (Throwing): Film from side (or behind for pitcher), 5+ throws, show radar reading.

🎙️ Player Interview – 5 to 7 Minutes

Setup: Quiet place, good natural light, phone at eye level, frame chest up, look at camera lens.

Questions (have someone ask):

1. "Tell me about yourself."
2. "When did you start playing?"
3. "What position and why do you love it?"
4. "Describe yourself as a player – strengths?"
5. "What are you working on improving?"
6. "A challenge you overcame?"
7. "Goals for this season?"
8. "What are you looking for in a college?"
9. "How do you handle failure?"
10. "Why should a coach want you?"
11. "GPA? Intended major?"
12. "Something about you not baseball/softball."

⚾ Skills Breakdown – By Position

Film 3‑5 clips of these secondary skills:

Pitchers	Catchers	Infielders	Outfielders
Pickoff to 1st/2nd Fielding a bunt Covering 1st (banana route)	Pop time to 2nd Blocking in the dirt Fielding bunts	Double play turn Slow roller Backhand play	Throws to 2B, 3B, home Track over head (L/R) Charge and field

📁 Part 4: Naming Your Videos (Very Important!)

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

• Bad names: video.mp4, IMG_4927.mov
• Good names: 2026-03-15_vs_Lincoln_60YardDash_6.8sec.mp4, 2026-03-15_vs_Lincoln_ExitVelo_96mph.mp4

Pattern: Date_Opponent_Skill_Metric.mp4

📤 Part 5: Uploading to YouTube (Step by Step)

1. Go to youtube.com and sign in with a Google account (free).
2. Click the camera icon with a +, choose "Upload Video".
3. Select your video file(s).
4. Under "Visibility", choose "Unlisted" – this means only people with the link can see it. (Do NOT choose Private.)
5. Add a title using the naming pattern above.
6. Click "Publish" and copy the video link.
7. Repeat for every video.

📋 Part 6: Create a Playlist (One Link to Rule Them All)

1. Go to your YouTube channel (click your profile icon → "Your channel").
2. Click the "Playlists" tab, then "New Playlist".
3. Name it "[Player Name] Recruiting Videos" (e.g., "Jake Thompson Recruiting Videos").
4. Set the playlist to "Unlisted".
5. Add all your uploaded videos to this playlist.
6. Copy the playlist link from your browser – it will look like youtube.com/playlist?list=PL....

✅ Part 7: Final Checklist