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When playing high school basketball and performing in front of professions and scouts how can I get noticed and show out in front of the rest of the competition ?
I have been playing basketball since I was young yet I could never afford travel or aau, and many tell me its impossible to get noticed and recruited without playing at least one of those.
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Jacob’s Answer
It's true that playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) or on a travel team can provide more exposure, but it's not impossible to get noticed and recruited without those experiences. Here are some strategies to help you stand out and make an impression in high school basketball:
1. **Develop Your Skills:** Focus on improving your basketball skills consistently. Dedicate time to refining your shooting, ball-handling, passing, and defensive abilities. Becoming an exceptional player in your high school league can't be understated.
2. **Work on Your Fitness:** Maintain peak physical condition. Coaches and scouts look for athletes who are not only skilled but also physically fit and agile. Regularly hit the gym, work on your speed and agility, and stay in top shape.
3. **Be Coachable:** Show a willingness to learn and adapt. Coaches and scouts appreciate players who can take feedback and implement it quickly. Your coach's endorsement can carry a lot of weight.
4. **Consistency Matters:** Consistency in performance is key. Whether it's practices or games, strive to perform at your best every time. Scouts are more likely to take notice of players who consistently excel.
5. **Leadership and Teamwork:** Showcase your leadership skills by being a positive influence on your team. Exhibit teamwork and a strong work ethic. These qualities are highly regarded in recruitment.
6. **Highlight Reels:** Record your games and create highlight reels. Share these online and with your coach. It's an effective way to get noticed by recruiters who may not be able to attend all your games.
7. **Attend Showcases and Camps:** Look for local basketball showcases, camps, or tournaments where scouts might be present. These events provide opportunities for exposure and competition.
8. **Network:** Connect with coaches and players in your area. Attend open gyms, join local basketball leagues or clubs, and make yourself known within your basketball community.
9. **Academics Matter:** Maintain good academic standing. Many colleges and universities prioritize student-athletes who excel in the classroom as well as on the court.
10. **Reach Out:** Don't hesitate to proactively contact college coaches. Send them your highlight reel, stats, and a well-crafted letter expressing your interest in their program.
Remember that getting noticed and recruited can be a gradual process. Stay persistent, stay dedicated, and keep your passion for the game alive. While AAU and travel teams can offer more exposure, a standout performance in your high school league combined with these strategies can still lead to recruitment opportunities.
1. **Develop Your Skills:** Focus on improving your basketball skills consistently. Dedicate time to refining your shooting, ball-handling, passing, and defensive abilities. Becoming an exceptional player in your high school league can't be understated.
2. **Work on Your Fitness:** Maintain peak physical condition. Coaches and scouts look for athletes who are not only skilled but also physically fit and agile. Regularly hit the gym, work on your speed and agility, and stay in top shape.
3. **Be Coachable:** Show a willingness to learn and adapt. Coaches and scouts appreciate players who can take feedback and implement it quickly. Your coach's endorsement can carry a lot of weight.
4. **Consistency Matters:** Consistency in performance is key. Whether it's practices or games, strive to perform at your best every time. Scouts are more likely to take notice of players who consistently excel.
5. **Leadership and Teamwork:** Showcase your leadership skills by being a positive influence on your team. Exhibit teamwork and a strong work ethic. These qualities are highly regarded in recruitment.
6. **Highlight Reels:** Record your games and create highlight reels. Share these online and with your coach. It's an effective way to get noticed by recruiters who may not be able to attend all your games.
7. **Attend Showcases and Camps:** Look for local basketball showcases, camps, or tournaments where scouts might be present. These events provide opportunities for exposure and competition.
8. **Network:** Connect with coaches and players in your area. Attend open gyms, join local basketball leagues or clubs, and make yourself known within your basketball community.
9. **Academics Matter:** Maintain good academic standing. Many colleges and universities prioritize student-athletes who excel in the classroom as well as on the court.
10. **Reach Out:** Don't hesitate to proactively contact college coaches. Send them your highlight reel, stats, and a well-crafted letter expressing your interest in their program.
Remember that getting noticed and recruited can be a gradual process. Stay persistent, stay dedicated, and keep your passion for the game alive. While AAU and travel teams can offer more exposure, a standout performance in your high school league combined with these strategies can still lead to recruitment opportunities.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
I would create something called a Sports Resume and Cover Letter.
Sometimes the coaches do not come to us, so we have to go to the coaches. Trying out for a college team, is much like trying out for a job.
The Sports Resume and Cover Letter is like job resume and cover letter, except instead you will be highlighting your athletic skills, positions, awards, abilities, academics and other parts of your sports career.
There are examples of these sports resume's and letters found on the internet.
After you finish your sports letter and resume, send it directly to the college coach (through the post office), to his office. He gets thousands of emails each week, and you want your resume and written letter to land directly on his desk.
I have used this technique with many student athletes, with a great amount of success.
Sometimes the coaches do not come to us, so we have to go to the coaches. Trying out for a college team, is much like trying out for a job.
The Sports Resume and Cover Letter is like job resume and cover letter, except instead you will be highlighting your athletic skills, positions, awards, abilities, academics and other parts of your sports career.
There are examples of these sports resume's and letters found on the internet.
After you finish your sports letter and resume, send it directly to the college coach (through the post office), to his office. He gets thousands of emails each week, and you want your resume and written letter to land directly on his desk.
I have used this technique with many student athletes, with a great amount of success.
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Ezekiel,
Please don't let other people tell you what you can and can't do in life. I do agree that playing travel sports can help you get better, however I coached some kids that have played college sports. One advantage that players have today is social media. You can create a profile on different platforms to show game highlights of you, stats and information about yourself. You can then send that to places at the next level that you want to play at. If you are good enough to play at the next level, social media can help you get noticed.
Best of luck.
Ken
Please don't let other people tell you what you can and can't do in life. I do agree that playing travel sports can help you get better, however I coached some kids that have played college sports. One advantage that players have today is social media. You can create a profile on different platforms to show game highlights of you, stats and information about yourself. You can then send that to places at the next level that you want to play at. If you are good enough to play at the next level, social media can help you get noticed.
Best of luck.
Ken
Karen Welch
Help install Expense and Travel Programs for clients all over the world
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Karen’s Answer
Absolutely, AAU and Travel Teams do spotlight top-tier players, but to address your query, the first step is to become a versatile student, both academically and athletically. Videos serve as a fantastic platform to highlight your skills, so consider having someone record all your games. Lending a hand with different recreational or middle school teams can also boost your visibility. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Keep striving!