Going to College

Going to College is devoted to helping junior golfers and their parents better understand the college recruitment process and to providing insight on what qualities are necessary for young players to compete successfully at the collegiate level. Each month, a popular topic will be discussed to offer advice and counsel to interested juniors and their parents.

For 13 years as the Head Golf Coach at the University of North Florida, I witnessed the commitment necessary for junior golfers to transition successfully into collegiate competition and to prepare for a potential career as a professional golfer. Through this column, I will attempt to share these experiences with the next generation of players and to make their recruiting experience more enjoyable and productive. I welcome feedback and encourage readers to submit relevant questions that can be included in the following month’s column.

As the former Head Golf Coach at the University of North Florida from 1990-2003, John Brooks' professional experience qualifies him to help families navigate junior golf and manage college placement. Furthermore, he perfectly understands the commitment necessary for junior golfers to transition successfully into collegiate competition.

Coach Brooks, through his Red Numbers Golf program, now shares his extensive golf knowledge and expertise with a younger generation as they strive to earn college golf scholarships. Since 2003, he has worked with over 125 families throughout the college placement process, relying on his key relationships with college coaches to help each client identify and target their best college fits

For more information on this program please visit www.rednumbersgolf.com

Do College Coaches Use Swing Videos To Evaluate Recruits?

Make sure your video includes what coaches are looking for!

by John Brooks
About the Author
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Sending your golf swing and short game video to a coach can be an excellent way for them to learn more about you as a player. In many cases, a coach may not have the opportunity to watch you play or practice at a competition site. This is particularly true for Division II and III coaches with limited recruiting budgets. Although the video cannot capture everything about your golf game, it is a good way to make an initial impression on a coach and hopefully to generate some interest as a potential recruit. Before producing it, make sure you understand what should be included (or excluded) in this video.


Your swing and short game video should include:

• A brief introduction by the player stating name, hometown, and graduation class

• Two swings with a short iron/wedge from a “down the line” angle

• Two swings with a short iron/wedge from a “face on” angle

• Two swings with a mid/long iron from a “down the line” angle

• Two swings with a mid/long iron from a “face on” angle

• Two swings with a driver from a “down the line” angle

• Two swings with a driver from a “face on” angle

o Make sure the camera is positioned correctly to capture these angles

o Swings should be in normal speed (One or two total swings in slow motion is acceptable.)

• Several chips, pitches, and bunker shots from both angles

• Several short, medium, and long putts from both angles


The total video should last approximately 10 minutes in length. The player should be neat in appearance (dressed professionally), and the setting should be organized and without distractions (other players, vehicles driving by, etc.)


Try to avoid the following when producing your video:

• Excessive audio (includes background noise, instructor giving a lesson, etc.)

• Drawing lines on the screen to indicate positions, angles, etc.

• Poor video angles and/or an unstable camera

• A tape that exceeds 10 minutes in length

• Slow motion swings (see above)

• Special effects


Ideally, you could e-mail your swing and short game video to a coach, allowing him to receive it quickly and to watch it from his computer with little inconvenience. If this cannot be accomplished, mailing the video to the coach’s office will work as well. Another option is to post your swing and short game video to You Tube and e-mail the link to coaches allowing them to view it with a simple one-step process. If you choose this option, review the video first to make sure the quality is what you are looking for.


Remember to keep the video short and simple. Sometimes less is more!


Coach Brooks

Archive
What Questions Should I Be Prepared to Answer During a Campus Visit?   2/20/2009
How Important Is Time Management for Student-Athletes at the Collegiate Level?   12/5/2008
You Have Completed the College Placement Process—Now What?   9/29/2008
What Information Should Prospects Send to College Golf Coaches?   5/13/2008
What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Scholarships?   2/15/2008
How do I know if a School is Really Interested in Recruiting Me?   11/1/2007
How do Players Verbally Commit to Schools so Early in the Process?   8/1/2007
When Should Junior Golfers Begin Visiting and Researching Colleges?   5/16/2007
What Is a Typical Week Like in the Life of a College Golfer?   2/6/2007
Is It a Good Idea To Withdraw After a Poor Round?   11/29/2006
What’s the Story on Division II and Division III Golf Programs?   9/26/2006
As a Rising Senior Is It Too Late To Be Recruited?   7/31/2006
Do Coaches Really Care About Academics?   5/3/2006
Is College Golf an Individual Sport?   3/14/2006
Do You Have the Game to Play College Golf?   2/7/2006
What is a Parent's Role in the Recruiting Process?   12/20/2005
Are Unofficial Visits to College Campuses Necessary?   11/10/2005
Should Junior Golfers Attend Collegiate Tournaments?   9/27/2005
Will Playing AJGA Events Increase My Chances of Earning a College Scholarship?   8/8/2005
What Should Recruits Say When Coaches Call Them?   7/13/2005
Just How Big is College Golf?   6/3/2005
What questions should I ask a college coach during a campus visit?   2/4/2005
What are the main differences between junior golf and college golf?   10/7/2004
College Recruitment Timeline - Part 2   7/30/2004
College Recruitment Timeline - Part 1   5/28/2004
Where Should I Attend College to Study and Play Golf?   4/6/2004
When Should Junior Golfers Sign the NLI?   2/25/2004
How Do College Coaches Work Junior Tournaments?   1/16/2004
What is a Full Scholarship?   12/12/2003
How Can a Junior Golfer Improve His Practice Sessions?   11/11/2003
What Commitment Level is Necessary for Junior Golfers to Become Successful Collegiate Student-Athletes?   10/10/2003
How Do College Golf Coaches Discover Talent?   8/20/2003
  

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