Coaches aren’t waiting for the diving catch. They want to see you make the routine play look routine, every single time.

Your highlight video is often your first opportunity to make an impression on a college coach. Before they attend one of your games or respond to your email, they’ll likely watch your video to decide whether they want to learn more.

For infielders and outfielders, coaches aren’t just looking for flashy plays. They want to see clean fundamentals, athleticism, and consistent execution. A well-organized highlight video can showcase those skills and help separate you from other recruits.

Here’s how to build a highlight video that gives coaches exactly what they’re looking for.

Keep It Short and Organized

Your highlight video should be 3 to 5 minutes long.

Lead with your strongest clips first because coaches may only watch the first minute before deciding whether to continue. Begin your video with a title screen that includes:

• Name
• Primary position
• Graduation year
• School
• Height and weight
• Key measurable metrics such as 60-yard dash, exit velocity, throwing velocity, and GPA if applicable

Film in daylight whenever possible, use a tripod for drills, and wear your full game uniform with your jersey number clearly visible.

What College Coaches Want to See

The biggest mistake players make is showing only diving catches or spectacular plays.

Those moments are great to include, but coaches are primarily evaluating whether you consistently perform the routine plays that win games.

They’re looking for:

• Athletic footwork
• Clean fielding mechanics
• Body control
• Quick transfers
• Strong, accurate throws
• Good baseball instincts
• Consistent hard contact at the plate

Your video should demonstrate that you can make difficult plays look routine.

Infielder Highlight Video Checklist

Start with your defensive work before moving into hitting.

Include these defensive drills:

Ground Ball Straight At You

Record one ground ball hit directly at you from your primary position. Show smooth footwork, clean hands, and an accurate throw to first base.

Backhand Plays

Include two backhand ground balls in the hole. Coaches want to see your range, body control, and ability to throw accurately after moving laterally.

Forehand Plays

Record two forehand ground balls moving toward the middle of the field. Focus on maintaining momentum through the baseball and making a strong throw.

Slow Roller

Include one slow roller that requires you to charge aggressively, field on the run, and throw accurately without rushing your mechanics.

Every throw should be firm, accurate, and on a line. Coaches pay close attention to your feet before they ever evaluate your arm strength.

Outfielder Highlight Video Checklist

Outfielders should emphasize arm strength, route efficiency, and defensive instincts.

Throw to Second Base

Show one clean throw to second base after fielding a ball. Demonstrate quick footwork and proper crow hop mechanics.

Throws to Third Base

Include two throws to third base. Coaches want to see both arm strength and accuracy while maintaining good mechanics.

Throws Home

Record three throws home from game-like situations. These are often the most important defensive throws an outfielder makes, so every throw should be strong, accurate, and on a line.

Fly Ball Reads

One of the most overlooked additions to an outfielder’s highlight video is showing your route to a fly ball.

Film yourself breaking on the ball, taking an efficient path, and making the catch under control. Coaches evaluate your first step just as much as your arm.

Don’t Forget Your Hitting

If hitting is part of your game, include it.

Film 5 to 6 quality swings from each of these angles:

• Behind home plate
• Side view from the opposite batter’s box
• Pitcher’s perspective

If you’re a switch hitter, repeat the sequence from both sides.

Focus on showing balanced mechanics, barrel control, and consistent hard contact. Don’t try to hit every ball over the fence. Coaches are evaluating your swing, not your batting practice home run total.

Finish With Your Best Game Clips

Once you’ve shown your measurable skills and defensive fundamentals, finish with game footage that reinforces what coaches just watched.

Include clips that demonstrate:

• Difficult defensive plays
• Double plays
• Strong throws
• Hard-hit balls
• Extra-base hits
• Smart baserunning

Use arrows or spot shadows before each clip so coaches can immediately identify you on the field.

Final Thoughts

Your highlight video should make it easy for coaches to evaluate your abilities without guessing.

Focus on clean fundamentals, quality video, and game situations that showcase your athleticism. Remember that coaches are looking for players they can trust to make routine plays consistently, not just spectacular plays once in a while.

Keep your video updated each season as your skills improve, and include it with every recruiting email and player profile.

A well-built highlight video can be one of the most valuable tools in your recruiting journey.