The Skills Video

Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a few to go over something we recently did to improve my daughter exposure. You can do it too.

We call it the skills video! It is what experts or recruiting firms say is a must if you want to play at the next level. People charge good money and after doing ours, I see why. Really, if you want to save a few hundred dollars all you really need is access to a computer and a camera.

A computer is a must due to editing it.
Do I really need to say you need a camera to film something?

Reminder this is a tool to highlight your daughter or sons skills. Make sure this production does that.

• Edit out drops, errors and missed swings. Sure coaches don't expect perfection in these videos but leaving this in is a waste of time.
• Remove all downtime such as moving people around.
• Highlight - Highlight - Highlight: Use the best of what you shoot, shoot multiple angles and multiple shots of that skill.
• The majority of this video should be in a practice setting. Do not use or limit game footage.I included a very brief hit of a live game. I felt it showed everything I wanted the coach to see. Why? It mirrored the very same thing we shot in the skills video. Constant game video gets boring.
• Use a tripod and a camera you are familiar with.
• Keep it between 4 and 5 minutes. Any longer and you run the risk of having the full thing not seen.
• Keep it simple.

Here is my finished product:


Prior to starting here is what I did:

• I shot some film of my younger daughter at her softball game to get used to my camera. Make sure your setting are to a movement conducive setting. Using this filmed event, I edited it with my Windows MovieMaker to get used that too. It took me lots of time.
• Find a location you are familiar with and a time that isn't real busy there. Cutting down on the noise in the video.
• A power source is an AMAZING addition to the event.
• Set up your plan on what you want to shoot; know what positions, skills and angles you want to hit before you get there. (this will change but knowing prior till make adjustments easier to do)
• Watch some skills videos on youtube (example 1) (example 2) see what you like on each and what you would change. Take notes.
• Plan for everything that could go wrong IE...no bases, hot weather. Make this event like a tournament and take everything you need. Have a back up location in case your primary is used.
• Set up someone who can assist with catching and throwing. Two helpers is better.

Now for what to shoot:

• Brief intro: 15 seconds of who you are and what you want to coach to know. Shows communication style.
• Make sure you have coaches email address and phone in print on the video.
• Primary positon - 3 or 4 of each, edit what you don't want, use different angles.
• OF - show drop step/footwork, fly ball tracking, ground ball stopping, arm strength. Show throws to home plate and third base from about the middle of RF.
• P - pitches you throw (4 of each at minimum) show side and behind the plate view. If you can show the radar gun speed.
• C -  show how you block the ball, pop times (stop watch) and throw to all bases.
• Corner infield- Bunt coverage, cross diamond throws, foot work to base and ground balls to the forehand and backhand.
• Middle infield- Show your athleticism add movement and take ground balls that show range also show back hand and forehand. Show how you cover bases and turn double plays.
• HITTING - show several angles, behind the plate and side view. I do not recommend soft toss from the side, anyone can hit soft toss. Show bunting and slapping (if you can do it) and any other hitting skill you may have.

Now send them out!