When is National Girls & Women in Sports Day?

In 2023, NGWSD will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 1^st.

What is the history of National Girls & Women in Sports Day?

NGWSD began in 1987 as then-President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5606, declaring February 4th as “National Women in Sports Day.” In part, Reagan’s Proclamation read, “The number of women participating in sports continues to grow, and we will continue to assure that more opportunities are created. From coach to administrator, women play an important role in the development of athletic programs for people of all ages.”

This day was initiated in remembrance of Flo Hyman, an Olympic women’s volleyball player. She tragically passed away in 1986 wherein she dedicated herself to promoting equality in sports. Since then, this day has evolved to recognize all girls and women in sports — athletes, administrators, coaches, lawmakers, journalists, and other girls or women in sports.

NGWSD is organized by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), one of FieldLevel’s proud partners. The Women’s Sports Foundation has been around for over 45 years, and its ultimate goal is to advance women’s lives in sports and enable them to grow — both athletically and in life.

Why is National Girls & Women in Sports Day important?

NGWSD is important because it calls everyone to …

1. Acknowledge the progress girls and women have made in sports.
2. Realize the progress that is still to come for girls and women in sports.
3. Celebrate every girl and woman in sports who has, directly or indirectly, made any of the past, present, or future progress possible.

What does National Girls & Women in Sports Day mean to women at FieldLevel?

In conjunction with our partners, the Women’s Sports Foundation and Positive Coaching Alliance, FieldLevel is working to amplify NGWSD and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX. As part of this, a few women at FieldLevel have chosen to share what NGWSD means to them, as it is a celebration of so many different things and means something different to everyone.

“Celebrating NGWSD means we are acknowledging how far our society has come to give girls and women opportunities to dedicate their minds, bodies, and spirits to expression through competition. Though we need no validation, I do think it is important to celebrate the progress we’ve made and continue to give girls and women opportunities to show their leadership abilities and support other athletes through sport.”
– Cherie Hughes-Grigsby, Women’s Basketball Community Manager at FieldLevel

“NGWSD represents to me our continued commitment to equity not only in sports but across all facets of society. Sports – like many social constructs such as workplaces, government, and more — reflect the institutionalized masculinity that has regulated communities throughout time. When we raise awareness and encourage more females to participate in athletics, we not only recognize women for more than just their appearances but we also recognize and therefore reject the gender stereotypes that have played a major role in the development of unequal societies.”
– Kahala Bonsignore, Senior Product Manager at FieldLevel

“NGWSD is a celebration for everyone. For a long time, I thought it was just for girls and women who are playing or coaching sports — an identity that I don’t resonate with, as I haven’t played on a sports team in many years. Now, I realize that there are so many more people to honor on NGWSD, including myself as a woman who works in the sports industry!”
– Sarah Pettycord, Marketing Communications Specialist at FieldLevel

“For me, NGWSD commemorates the brave women before us who risked everything to be able to play. It wasn’t that long ago when women were not even allowed to play sports, and to see and be a part of how far we’ve come today brings tears of joy to my eyes. We truly stand on the shoulders of the women before us. Women not only set us up to take advantage of our current available opportunities but also remind us to pay it forward to continue paving the way for future girls and women to have even more opportunities in sport!”
– Jackie Stanger, Water Polo Community Manager at FieldLevel

“Celebrating NGWSD gives us all the opportunity to reflect and celebrate how far we have come and how much we have accomplished in the sports world, while also acknowledging that the work is not over. It is so important for girls and women to be celebrated in this way because it shows future generations that there are no limits or boundaries just because of your gender identity.”
– Kelli Ludwig, Support Specialist at FieldLevel

How should I celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day?

There are many ways you can celebrate NGWSD. The Women’s Sports Foundation has compiled the NGWSD Event List, which contains a variety of in-person and virtual events across the United States. Additionally, if you have organized your own NGWSD Event, you can use the NGWSD Event Submission Form to add it to the Event List.

The Women’s Sports Foundation also created the NGWSD Virtual 5K & 50 Mile Challenge, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. This is a new and interactive way to celebrate within your community and across the country, leading up to Title IX’s 50th anniversary in June 2022. The timeline to participate in the NGWSD 5K is February 1^st – February 28^th, 2022, and the timeline for the 50 Mile Challenge is February 1^st – June 23^rd, 2022.

Whether you choose to walk, run, bike, row, swim, or do another activity, this challenge is a great way to celebrate NGWSD. You can register for the NGWSD Virtual 5K & 50 Mile Challenge at any time.

If you have any questions about NGWSD, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post ​​Everything you need to know about National Girls & Women in Sports Day appeared first on FieldLevel.

1.    Stay Healthy

Just because you’ve committed to a college doesn’t mean you can stop taking care of your body. It’s essential to stay in shape, especially in the spring and summer leading up to college. You will be spending lots of time in college keeping up with the physical demands of being a student-athlete, which will only be harder to do if unprepared.

As a part of this, you must keep practicing and improving in your sport. You want to put your best foot forward as soon as you step onto campus, and one of the best ways to ensure you do that is to practice. Your coaches will be an excellent resource for you during this time, as they can help develop a training plan or suggest areas that you can improve upon in practice. Additionally, proper rest, hydration, and nutrition will help you stay mentally and physically fit. Utah State University has put together a very helpful nutrition guide for high school athletes.

Quick tips:

• Buy a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Make time to do things you love.
• Schedule times to eat balanced meals during busy days, so you don’t lose energy or muscle.
• Move your body every day — whether that’s playing your sport, stretching, going for a walk, or anything else to keep the blood pumping.
• Keep your energy levels up by getting enough sleep every night.

2.    Communicate

After you’ve committed to a college, you should communicate your decision to a variety of people. First, talk to college coaches you were in contact with at other schools to thank them for their time and let them know you have committed elsewhere. Alerting them is helpful for their sake, so they don’t spend time reaching out to you when you’ve already committed. You should also thank your current coaches and counselors for helping you throughout the process — remember that your success is their success!

It would help if you also put some effort into connecting with your new teammates and making friends with them. You will be spending a lot of time with them throughout your college career, so getting to know them better ahead of time will make your transition to campus much smoother and potentially less awkward. The same applies to college coaches, trainers, counselors — reach out to them and introduce yourself to establish a trusting relationship.

Finally, some athletes like to announce their commitments on social media. Doing so is a great way to showcase your hard work and tell people that you are proud of this significant accomplishment. Before you do this, however, review everything on your social media pages and ensure that your content is appropriate. First impressions are so important that people’s first impression of you will often be from your social media pages — especially your coaches and teammates. Additionally, if you’re announcing your commitment to a college, you must recognize that you will be representing something much bigger than yourself, and what you post matters. For more advice about the best practices for social media, you can read our article, “Top 5 Mistakes Athletes Make on Social Media.” 

3.    Maintain a Balance

As a student-athlete, you’ve had experience balancing your academics, sport, social life, family time, and other responsibilities. Even after being recruited, it’s important to maintain this balance and keep up with everything you still need to do. Time management is an instrumental skill to have here, as it will help ensure everything gets done and keep your stress levels down. It’s also critical for you to remember that what works for you may not work for someone else, so try and strike a balance that will ensure you are successful. 

Quick tips:

• Use a digital or physical planner to keep track of deadlines and block off time to eat, move your body, practice your sport, do homework, and any other responsibilities.
• Take at least one rest day per week to give your body proper time to recover.
• Try to be a few days ahead of your schoolwork to lessen your chances of stressing about a big deadline at the last minute.
• Prioritize spending time with your friends and family.
• Be present in whatever you’re doing.

If you have any questions about how to stay successful once you have committed, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post 3 keys to success and helpful tips for after you’ve committed appeared first on FieldLevel.

Value Alignment: FieldLevel + the Women’s Sports Foundation

Both FieldLevel and the Women’s Sports Foundation empower women and help them find opportunities in sports. We will actively work together to progress equity in sports by supporting women who are coaching and playing sports and providing them with education and inspiration.

About We Play Interactive

Platforms like We Play Interactive are extremely valuable. According to research, 20% of girls between the ages of 7-17 drop out of sports for a variety of reasons. Learning from trusted resources like We Play Interactive is one of the best ways to inspire girls to keep playing and find opportunities to love sports, while simultaneously uplifting those who have already discovered their passion for athletics.

“There are so many ways to be physically active; what catches the eye of one girl, might be different for another. That’s why sports and physical activity are important – there are so many opportunities available to us. We Play Interactive takes girls on a journey to explore their motivation, inspiration and joy, that can lead to a lifelong love of movement and sport.”

Billie Jean King, Women’s Sports Foundation Founder

About the Women’s Sports Foundation

The Women’s Sports Foundation has been funding research, providing education, supporting athletes financially, and serving as advocates for women and girls for over 45 years. Ultimately, its goal is to advance the lives of women in sports and enable them to grow — both athletically and in life.

Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, one of the world’s most respected tennis players, the Women’s Sports Foundation has a rich history of supporting women in sports. King’s goal in creating and maintaining the Foundation was, and still is, to forge paths for every person in their life, including in sports.

In the years since its inception, the Women’s Sports Foundation has established grant programs, scholarships, internships, and an Athlete Ambassador Program. It has also published several academic studies, launched multiple educational programs, and marked February 2nd as National Girls and Women in Sports Day — a celebration that countless people recognize today.

The Women’s Sports Foundation has picked up many notable national partners throughout the years, including Athleta, espnW, Gatorade, NBC Sports Group, and Yahoo Sports, and some corporate supporters like Getty Images, Morgan Stanley, TGA Premier Sports, and the Women’s Tennis Association. Backed by these supporters and other funders, the Foundation, its Board of Trustees, staff, and leadership team continues to enable women and girls to reach their full potential. 

We Play Interactive — Curriculum Overview

Training Modules 

There are seven professional development Training Modules on We Play Interactive that are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills and spark creativity.

FieldLevel Favorites:

• Module 1 – Create a Physically and Emotionally Safe Space
• Module 5 – Connect Mind-Body: Mental health
• Module 7 – Make Inclusion a Reality

Activity Modules 

There are 10 Activity Modules on We Play Interactive — all of which are based on themes and life lessons, and include three 45-minute “activity plans.”

FieldLevel Favorites:

• Module 2 – Building Community
• Module 6 – Leadership
• Module 9 – Success through Sport

We Play Video Library

There is a menu of videos that you can watch on the We Play Interactive platform featuring accomplished women in sports who would serve as great role models. These videos touch on a variety of topics, and discussion starters are provided if you choose to show them to any of your athletes.

Resource Modules

Other Resource Modules like Facilitator Tips, English Language Learner Tips, and many more are also available on We Play Interactive.

“When girls are given the opportunity to play, explore and lead, they grow up to be healthier, stronger and more confident. The resources offered through We Play Interactive align beautifully with the Foundation’s goal to help unlock the possibilities in every girl through the power of sports and movement.”

Deborah Antoine, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation

To learn more about We Play Interactive and register for the program, click here. If you have any questions about the Women’s Sports Foundation, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post FieldLevel partners with Women’s Sports Foundation on launch of We Play Interactive appeared first on FieldLevel.

What is Name, Image, and Likeness?

Name, Image, and Likeness is a legal concept referring to an individual’s “right of publicity” — their ability to capitalize on anything that identifies them, including the ability to engage in third-party sponsorships and endorsements. Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which granted college athletes the right to their NIL, these athletes can now create and explore a wide range of opportunities for themselves.

Brief History of Name, Image, and Likeness

It’s helpful to know the history and decisions leading up to where college athletes now have the right to their NIL.

July 2009 — Ed O’Bannon, a former UCLA basketball player, files a lawsuit against the NCAA and the Collegiate Licensing Company. O’Bannon claims these organizations violated antitrust laws when his NIL was used without his permission in the EA Sports video game, NCAA Basketball 09. He seeks an injunction that would allow players to receive compensation for their NIL.

2009 – 2014 — 20 former athletes join O’Bannon as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

August 2014 — District Judge Claudia Wilken of California rules in favor of O’Bannon and the other athletes. She found that the NCAA’s rules prohibiting athletes from profiting off their NIL do violate antitrust laws.

September 2019 — California becomes the first state to enact legislation on NIL when Governor Gavin Newsom signs “The Fair Pay to Play Act,” allowing athletes of any age to make money off their NIL. Other states follow suit in the months and years to come.

December 2019 — The NCAA begins to draft and solidify federal legislation regarding NIL rights.

June 2021 — The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rules against the NCAA and finds that NCAA restrictions on NIL activity violate antitrust laws. Days later, the NCAA temporarily changes its rules and opens the door for NIL activity — guiding individual colleges to create policies for their student-athletes.

July 2021 — The NCAA permanently changes its rules, now allowing athletes to profit off their NIL. Athletes begin acquiring sponsors and signing endorsements.

Why is Name, Image, and Likeness important?

Amateurism is defined as playing sports on an unpaid basis and it’s something that the NCAA and other collegiate athletic associations have supported for decades. The NIL ruling blurs the lines of what it means to be an amateur collegiate athlete, as these individuals now have the ability to profit off their NIL without playing at the professional level.

This ruling also impacts the recruiting process, as the possibility of NIL endorsements can now factor into an athlete’s decision to attend a particular college. However, it is essential to note that NIL deals cannot be used as an incentive in recruiting, and no athlete can be guaranteed a deal in the recruiting process.

What does this mean for me?

High school athletes and parents:

High school athletes in 49 states do not own the rights to their NIL, despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has made it clear that current high school student-athletes cannot earn money because of their connection to a high school team. However, “The Fair Pay to Play Act” in California permits high school athletes to profit off their NIL, with a few minor stipulations. So, if you are a high school athlete in California, you may have the opportunity to profit off your NIL.

Regardless of where you live, you should do two things if you are thinking about playing sports in college. First, you must be mindful of your online presence. Being aware of what you post, who you follow, which images you ‘like’, and the language you use online is key to building a respectable online presence that brands will appreciate. If you want to know more about mistakes to avoid on social media, you can read this article. 

Besides your online presence, you should also remember that the possibility of NIL deals is only one small part of your college decision. While they are enticing, you should never base your decision solely on the prospect of receiving a sponsorship or endorsement, as many other factors play a significant role in whether you attend a particular school. It’s important to stay focused on the bottom line in recruiting – you are trying to play sports at a higher level, not receive NIL deals. This doesn’t mean that you can’t ask questions of college coaches in the recruiting process about NIL; it just means that any of their answers shouldn’t make or break your choice.

High school and club coaches: 

As your athletes begin their recruiting journeys, many questions will come up related to their NIL rights. A great way to create clarity around this new and confusing landscape is by providing your athletes with educational content about NIL rights. Educating them is the best way to ensure they will be informed going into the recruiting process and know the implications of NIL as they start college as student-athletes. Any education should break down NIL and explain the opportunities this new legislation provides for athletes as they start college. It should discuss the financial implications of taking NIL deals, and it should tell athletes what they should and shouldn’t ask college coaches about NIL in the recruiting process. Finally, education around NIL should repeatedly emphasize a straightforward fact — never base your college decision entirely on the possibility of receiving a sponsorship or endorsement.

College coaches:

You are in a unique position in the new era of NIL because you must navigate it two-fold — when speaking to recruits and your athletes.

Recruits will likely have questions about NIL and what opportunities will be available to them at your institution. It’s important to rely on what you know for certain and avoid mentioning anything you can’t know for sure. You want to answer their questions as much as possible without breaking any rules.

When it comes to your own athletes, this new ruling presents exciting opportunities for them but can lead to some decisions that may feel overwhelming as well. As their coach, you have the chance to guide them in the right direction. Teaching your athletes the basics of NIL rights, how to control and maximize their personal brand, and even skills like public speaking and financial literacy can help them successfully handle the opportunities they’re facing. You should also reinforce guidance about what athletes can and can’t talk about in public spaces, like on radio interviews, tv commercials, podcasts, etc. More than anything, communication with your athletes is vital. Talk to them, let them ask questions and voice concerns, and know when to consult a professional. Additionally, if your athletes are receiving NIL deals, be sure to support them in whatever way possible, but do so for all of your athletes who sign an agreement. You never want to appear as if you’re “playing favorites,” so if you are going to ‘like’ a players’ sponsored Instagram reel, do that for every athlete of yours who posts sponsored content on Instagram.

If you have any questions about NIL or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Breaking down Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) appeared first on FieldLevel.

Who inspires you and why?

AB: I’m constantly inspired by the life of Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre. He was the ultimate team player and an icon in San Diego, so I grew up looking up to him.

SH: I’m inspired by my mother – she is who I want to become. She is kind, hard-working, and always takes care of my sister and me. 

MS: I am inspired by my family because they have made so many sacrifices to allow me to follow my dreams and this inspires me to continue to pursue excellence. My teammates also inspire me — it is so fun to be in a group where my passion is matched and sometimes surpassed, and it keeps me motivated to be the best I can be so that I can support them.

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete?

AB: Qualifying for the Olympics after winning the Pan American Games was undoubtedly my most memorable moment as an athlete.

SH: The moment I found out I was making the Olympic team. I was overcome with so much pride and joy at that time, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

MS: One of my most memorable moments as an athlete was during lineups before our first match in 2012. I stood between two veteran players and I was so nervous — frankly, I was trying to hide my tears. Both of the players looked at me and said, “Get it together it’s just water polo.” This was a memorable moment for me because it put the journey into perspective for me.

What role did your coach play in your development as a player and as a person?

AB: As a water polo coach himself, my dad set me up to be who I am today. Additionally, every coach I’ve had has shaped me into a better player and person in their own unique ways.

SH: I’ve had multiple coaches throughout my life who have all played instrumental roles in shaping me into who I am today — both in the pool and outside of it.

MS: I have had so many coaches who have helped me develop in different ways and I’m so thankful for those who have supported me in the past and continue to support me on this journey.

What advice would you give to young athletes today who want to play at the college level and beyond?

AB: Master the basics, fine-tune your movements, always be a student of the game, steal from the best, and adapt anything and everything to your play style.

SH: Good things come to those who are willing to work hard.

MS: Explore all of your options. There are so many great schools with awesome water polo programs, so find them all and let your heart guide you to the right place for you. I would also caution you not to box yourself in — you don’t have to play for a specific club, coach, or attend a camp to make college a possibility. These things help get your name out there, but your focus should be on your play and being the best you can be because the rest will take care of itself.

How does it feel to be an Olympic athlete and what are you most looking forward to in the Tokyo Olympics?

AB: This feeling is amazing and it’s an honor like no other to represent my country, my sport, and my family in Tokyo. I’m really just looking forward to playing and making myself and others proud.

SH: I feel so much pride and joy being an Olympic athlete. In Tokyo, I am really excited to compete at the highest level within water polo and produce results that showcase the hard work we’ve all put into preparation for this moment.

MS: I am incredibly proud and grateful to say that I am an Olympic athlete and I’m just excited to compete with my teammates in Tokyo. I play on a team of incredible athletes and their passion constantly humbles me — there is nothing else in the world like uniting that passion on a global stage.

If you have any questions about water polo or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Q&A with Alex Bowen, Stephanie Haralabidis, and Melissa Seidemann from Team USA Olympic Water Polo appeared first on FieldLevel.

FieldLevel has spoken to numerous college baseball coaches about what they want AND don’t want to see from athletes in their videos.

Here are the most important things you can do to impress college coaches with the best video possible.

1. Create a Highlight Reel

Your highlight reels should showcase your best moments as a player and demonstrate your strengths. Post the highlights you do have and continue to upload new ones as time goes on.

“We’re evaluating you on your individual skill set. If what you show us on film shows you have the skills to make the jump to the next level, we’re going to want to reach out to your coaches to dig more into you as a recruit.”

2. Have Game Tape Readily Available

Coaches will also want to study your game tape to verify the talent they saw in your highlights is consistent throughout a game. They will use your game video to see how you move, interact with your teammates, improve from game to game, and to evaluate your attitude and leadership abilities. It’s important to have game footage readily available in case college coaches request it from you.

“Your videos should be business-like, show your best. Coaches want to see what type of athlete you are but also how you conduct yourself on the field.”

3. Showcase your Positional Skills

Coaches are also interested in seeing clear videos of you going through drills and showing your position-specific skills. These videos capture game-like situations from clear angles and help showcase fundamentals and your athletic abilities.

Tips for Position-Specific Videos

• Pitchers
  • Be shot from multiple angles so coaches can view the mechanics and movement of your pitches. Helpful angles include behind the plate, behind the mound, and from your open side.
  • Show velocity.
• Infielder
  • Show that you can field ground balls from different angles and positions.
  • Demonstrate how you move, get to ground balls, and position your body to make throws. 
  • Show athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and solid footwork (forward, backward, side-shuffle, back-pedal, etc.).
• Outfielder
  • Showcase your speed and how you track fly balls off the bat.
  • Demonstrate your ability to get behind fly balls as much as possible to make the appropriate throw.
  • Show off your arm strength and show how you can hit the cutoff man or throw through the cutoff man.
• Catcher
  • Show off your arm strength with throws to all bases, especially second.
  • Demonstrate your receiving and blocking skills.
  • Include clips from games and batting practice.
• Hitting
  • Try to show at-bats off of live pitching, whether in games or practice.
  • Batting practice is great too – just make sure you’re taking your in-game swings. Think about situational hitting and show how you can hit to all fields. 
  • Include a few swings from the side and behind.

Regardless of your position, show college coaches drills, skills, and actions that translate to game-like situations. Additionally, don’t spend too much time highlighting one skill — including two to three clips of a skill in one video is plenty.

“Highlights are nice but many coaches don’t want to only see highlights. Incorporate full at-bats, or consecutive reps in row, unedited, so coaches can get a feel for how you consistant you are with a skill.”

4. Record Verified Measurables

Coaches will want to verify that your physical measurements and numbers are accurate. Measurable verification usually happens when coaches watch you play or during visits, but you can make it easier for coaches by verifying your measurables on video beforehand.

“Don’t lie or fudge your numbers, coaches will be able to see the truth on film.”

These things will likely impress any baseball coach you speak with during the recruiting process. Coaches and athletes — if you would like to learn more or share the information found in this article, you can download our worksheet below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO GUIDANCE WORKSHEET

If you have any questions about video or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Baseball Video Guidance appeared first on FieldLevel.

FieldLevel has spoken to numerous college softball coaches about what they want AND don’t want to see in an athlete’s video.

Here are the most important things you can do to impress college coaches with the best video possible.

1. Create a Highlight Reel

Your highlight reel is a chance to showcase your best moments as an athlete and catch a coach’s eye. Be sure to demonstrate your offensive and defensive skills. If you’re a pitcher, show how you can pitch and field your position.

2. Showcase your Positional Skills

Coaches also like watching players go through drills demonstrating position-specific skills. These videos capture game-like situations from clear angles and help showcase your mechanics, range, footwork, body language, athleticism, etc.

Tips for Position-Specific Videos

• Pitchers
  • Show videos of you working with your pitching coach — college coaches will want to see how coachable you are and if you can quickly implement feedback into reps.
  • Record videos of you throwing a variety of different pitches, always making sure to include the pitch speed if possible.
  • Be aware of your glove placement and what happens to your drag foot in your videos.
• Hitters
  • Include videos of you hitting live pitching or from a machine — only show swings from front or side toss if the other two aren’t viable options for you.
  • Show that you can hit to all fields and provide exit velocity if possible.
  • Prove that you can bunt. If you’re great at bunting, show off your skills.
• Fielders
  • Showcase your footwork, glovework, arm strength, and range.
  • Demonstrate that you can field your position including pop-ups, line-drives, ground balls, short-hops, etc.
  • Include videos where you field the ball off a live bat, if possible.

Regardless of your position, show college coaches you’re comfortable fielding your position. Put your best reps of various skills at the beginning, replicate game-like situations as much as possible, and make sure all of your clips are high-quality and shot from helpful angles.

3. Feature your Athleticism

While the way you play in games always speaks the loudest, showcasing your athletic ability is important in the evaluation process. Many coaches are looking for great athletes who might be able to play multiple or different positions in college, so upload videos that highlight your athleticism. It’s also important to verify specific measurements for college coaches.

4. Have Game Tape Readily Available

Coaches might also want to watch full games to see how you compete and make sure what they saw in your highlights or drills is consistent. College coaches also watch game videos to see how you carry yourself in between plays/innings, interact with your coaches and teammates, react to adversity, lead your team, and more. Having 2-3 games readily available if college coaches ask for it is ideal if it’s possible.

5. Record Verified Measurables

Coaches will sometimes want to verify that your physical measurements are accurate. Measurable verification usually happens during visits, but you can make it easier for coaches by verifying your measurables with video.

These things will likely impress any softball coach you speak with during the recruiting process. Coaches and athletes — if you would like to learn more or share the information found in this article, you can download our worksheet below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO GUIDANCE WORKSHEET

If you have any questions about video or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Softball Video Guidance appeared first on FieldLevel.

FieldLevel has spoken to numerous college lacrosse coaches about what they want to see AND what they don’t want to see in an athlete’s video.

Here are the most important things you can do to impress college coaches and have the best video possible.

1. Create a Highlight Reel

Your highlight reel is a chance to showcase your best moments as an athlete that will catch a coach’s eye. Post the highlights that you do have and continue to upload new ones as time goes on.

Don’t cut the clips short. For example, don’t show yourself winning a face-off, throwing the ball to a teammate, and end the clip when the ball is in the mid-air — coaches want to see what happens next!

2. Have Game Footage Readily Available

Coaches will also want to study your game tape to verify the talent they saw in your highlights is consistent throughout a game. They will use your game video to see how you move, interact with your teammates, improve from game to game, and evaluate your attitude and leadership abilities. It’s important to have game footage readily available in case college coaches request it from you.

Game footage is what coaches look at “deeper in the recruiting process” to really understand and evaluate recruits they’re tracking.

3. Showcase Your Positional Skills

Coaches might also be interested in seeing clear videos of you going through drills or showing your position-specific skills. These videos capture game-like situations from clear angles and help showcase fundamentals and athletic ability. 

“Coaches want to see your skills in a variety of different game-like situations.”

4. Record Verified Measurables

Coaches will sometimes want to verify that your physical measurements are accurate. Measurable verification usually happens during visits, but you can make it easier for coaches by verifying your measurables with video.

“If you fake your athletic metrics, you will be exposed once on the college field.”

These things will likely impress any lacrosse coach you speak with during the recruiting process. If you have any questions about video or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Lacrosse Video Guidance appeared first on FieldLevel.

FieldLevel has spoken to multiple college field hockey coaches about what they want to see AND what they don’t want to see in an athlete’s video.

Here are the most important things you can do to impress college coaches and have the best video possible.

Create a Highlight Reel

Your highlight reel is a chance to showcase your best moments as an athlete. These are the moments that will catch a coach’s eye — without highlights, getting seen is nearly impossible. Post the highlights that you do have and continue to upload new ones as time goes on.

“Everyone has highlights, coaches want to see what led up to that highlight … how the play developed.”

Have Game Footage Readily Available

Coaches will also want to study your game tape to verify the talent they saw in your highlights is consistent throughout a game. They will use your game video to see how you move, interact with your teammates, improve from game to game, and to evaluate your attitude and leadership abilities. It’s important to have game-footage readily available in case college coaches request it from you.

“Game video is essential for coaches, especially if they can’t see you in person.”

Showcase your skills

Coaches might also be interested in seeing clear videos of you going through drills or showing your skills. These videos capture game-like situations from clear angles and help showcase fundamentals and athletic ability.

“Be creative in staying active and prove your resilience during this time by simply doing what you can with what you have available.”

Feature your athleticism

The way you play in a match always speaks the loudest, but proving your athletic ability is important in the evaluation process. Take videos that highlight your athleticism.

“If you fake your athletic metrics, you will be exposed once on the college-level field.”

These things will likely impress any field hockey coach you speak with during the recruiting process. Coaches and athletes — if you would like to learn more or share the information found in this article, you can download our worksheet below.

If you have any questions about video or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Field Hockey Video Guidance appeared first on FieldLevel.

FieldLevel has spoken to multiple college water polo coaches about what they want to see AND what they don’t want to see in an athlete’s video.

Here are 5 things you can do, as well as some additional position-specific tips, to impress college coaches and have the best video possible.

1. Create a Highlight Reel

Your highlight reel is a chance to showcase your best moments as an athlete. These are the moments that will catch a coach’s eye — without highlights, getting seen is nearly impossible. Post the highlights you do have and continue to upload new ones as time goes on.

“Everyone has highlights, coaches want to see what led up to that highlight … how the play developed.”

2. Have Game Footage Readily Available

Coaches will also want to study your game tape to verify the talent they saw in your highlights is consistent throughout a game. They will use your game video to see how you move, interact with your teammates, improve from game to game, and to evaluate your attitude and leadership abilities. It’s Important to have game-footage readily available in case college coaches request it from you — we recommend having at least 2-3 full game tapes at-hand and some half and quarter-games as well.

“Game video is essential for coaches, especially if they can’t see you in person.”

3. Showcase your Skills

Coaches are interested in seeing clear videos of you going through drills. These videos capture game-like situations from clear angles and help showcase your mechanics and range. Even if you don’t have access to a pool or water polo equipment, upload videos that feature your skills in other athletic situations which can contribute to your progression as a polo player. Additionally, it’s important to upload skill videos for each position you play.

“Be creative in staying active and prove your resilience during this time by simply doing what you can with what you have available.”

4. Feature your Athleticism

The way you play in games always speaks the loudest, but proving your athletic ability is important in the evaluation process. Post videos that highlight your strength and athleticism, and verify specific measurements.

“If you fake your athletic metrics, you will be exposed once in the college-level pool.”

5. Record Verified Measurables

Coaches will need to verify that your physical measurements are accurate. Measurable verification usually happens during visits, but you can make it easier for coaches by verifying your measurables with video.

Position-Specific Tips

These are position-specific videos that college coaches want to see.

Attacker…

• Show your ability to set up counter-attacks and to create opportunities for yourself and others.
• Show that you know when to move into open water to improve your scoring angles, your ability to score 5-meter goals, and your ability to make great assists.
• Show your ability to read goalies and fake to throw them off.

Center…

• Show how you have great awareness and good communication skills, that you know when and where to get into position, and your ability to keep possession of the ball while under pressure.
• Showcase your step-outs, turns, backhands, and sweep shots.
• Demonstrate that you can make high-pressure passes.

Goalie…

• Show your ability to steal balls, read plays and players, and communicate well.
• Show how you can anticipate shots, deliver great passes under pressure, and make controlled blocks.
• Demonstrate your ability to stay on your legs, cover the cage laterally and vertically, clear balls effectively, and make 5-meter blocks.

Drivers & Utility Players…

• Showcase your ability to make great drives with a purpose and create scoring opportunities.
• Demonstrate your quickness, versatility, and ball-handling skills.
• Show your ability to draw ejections by outplaying poor defense and anticipate your opponents’ moves.

Center Defenders…

• Show your ability to anticipate, as well as your awareness and communication skills.
• Show how you constantly fight to regain a good position and your ability to read offenses well.
• Feature your steals to set and shot blocks.

These things will likely impress any water polo coach you speak with during the recruiting process. Coaches and athletes — if you would like to learn more or share the information found in this article, you can download our worksheet below.

If you have any questions about video or the recruiting process, the FieldLevel team is here to help you and support you. If there’s anything we can do, please contact us in one of the following ways:

Phone: 888-908-7124

Email: support@fieldlevel.com

Demo: Schedule a Time

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

The post Water Polo Video Guidance appeared first on FieldLevel.