College volleyball recruiting can be a daunting process, but a well-crafted highlight video can make all the difference to getting noticed by college coaches.
That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to creating standout highlight videos for each position on the court.
We know for a fact that parents play an integral role in helping their child navigate the recruiting process, which is why our platform is designed to make the process easy and straightforward whether you're a former D1 volleyball athlete or just learning about the sport.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the key elements to include in your child's highlight video, with tips specific to each position. We’ve crafted these tips based on feedback from college coaches and recruiting consultants and their preferences in regard to Highlight videos of prospective student-athletes.
Please note that these are not mandatory requirements, but rather a high-level overview of each position.
If you want to learn more about the Highlight Video creation process in general, we highly suggest that you read our other article:
Happy editing!
GENERAL NOTES
- Always show the best plays first
- Always show plays that result in a positive outcome
- Don't cut your clips too short - always show the full skill
- No Slow motion, freeze frame or any editing effects
- Organize the video by skill
- More and more Recruiting Consultants/Coordinators are also suggesting that you mix it up a bit and include a variety of skills in the first 30seconds in the video. These plays should be your best ones that truly showcase your skills. We recommend that you include a 30sec "mixed" section to start the video, and then move on to the "classic" per skill view.
The templates below are purely indicative. If you don't have all of the different types of skills, that's totally fine. The most important part of a highlight video is to be able to show your player's athleticism, skill and Volleyball IQ.
SETTER
- 2-3 in-system Tempo Sets
- 2-3 in-system Gap Sets
- 2-3 in-system 1 Sets
- 2-3 in-system Slide Sets
- 2-3 Out of System Pin Sets
- 2-3 Out of System Middle Sets
- Don't shy away from including Out of System Sets!
- 2-3 Setter Tips (only if point is scored)
- 2-3 Defensive plays (Hard Driven + Tips)
- 2-3 Blocks
- 5 Serves (2-3 deep, 2-3 short)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4min
OUTSIDE HITTER
- 7-10 passes, highlight different areas, movements and serve types (short, long, float, top-spin)
- 5-7 left side in system Attacks
- 5-7 left side out of system Attacks
- 5-7 right side Attacks
- 2-3 Back Row Attacks
- Don't shy away from including out of system swings. Even if they aren't the most spectacular plays, they can show your ability to score a point regardless of the situation
- 2-3 Defensive plays (Hard Driven + Tips)
- 2-3 Blocks
- 5 Serves (2-3 deep, 2-3 short)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4min
MIDDLE BLOCKER
- 2-3 in-system 1 Attacks
- 2-3 in-system Gap Attacks
- 2-3 in-system Back 1 Attacks
- 2-3 in-system Slide Attacks
- 2-3 out of system Attacks
- Don't shy away from including out of system swings. Even if they aren't the most spectacular plays, they can show your ability to score a point regardless of the situation
- 2-3 Left Side Blocks
- 2-3 Right Side Blocks
- 2-3 Middle Blocks
- Short serve passing & any defensive play you have
- 5 Serves (2-3 deep, 2-3 short)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4min
OPPOSITE
- 5-7 right side in system Attacks
- 5-7 back row in system Attacks
- 5-7 out of system right side + back row Attacks
- 2-3 Left Side Attacks
- Don't shy away from including out of system swings. Even if they aren't the most spectacular plays, they can show your ability to score a point regardless of the situation
- 2-3 Defensive plays (Hard Driven + Tips)
- 2-3 Blocks
- 5 Serves (2-3 deep, 2-3 short)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4min
LIBERO/DS
- 10-15 Passes - lead with serve receive and highlight different areas, movements and serve types (short, long, float, top-spin)
- 5-7 Digs - try to cover all positions and areas
- Always favor hard driven attacks and difficult tips
- 2-3 Out of System Sets
- 3-5 Serves (2-3 deep, 2-3 short)
- Ideal Duration: 3-4min
Get started today on your Balltime account and create your Highlight Videos at lightning speed! Our AI model automatically recognizes Players & Skills, and creates pre-edited clips. All you need to do is to find the best ones and drag them into our Highlight Builder to create the most compelling Recruiting Videos in minutes!
