Mixtapes vs Film: What Do College Coaches Actually Want to See?
In all honesty, this question has a pretty simple answer...but we wanted to take the time to tell you exactly why the answer is what it is and why you should take our advice on it!
Film Wins
Coaches want to see film. Coaching staff want to see film. Scouts and recruiters even - they want film to view, examine, and share. Why you might ask? Here’s the deal.
Everyone looks good in their mixtapes. That’s honestly sort of the point. But, that’s decidedly not the point of college recruiting. Mixtapes are just highlights and won’t include key things like missed shots, sloppy form, or poor defense. Sure, mixtapes are fun to share; they can create some exposure and produce some intrigue about your potential as a player. However, they are ultimately just a “best of” arrangement of short clips spliced together with music. Mixtapes won’t convey to coaches all the information they need to know.
If coaches are serious about considering you, they can’t rely on mixtapes. They need raw footage and film of you playing. They want to see what your stamina is like throughout the duration of the game, how many shots you are taking, defensive prowess, and ball handling. They are examining the total skill set and full game performance.
Mixtapes don’t provide insight into how you function as a player on a team. Film does. Coaches need to see how you interact with your teammates, coaches, opponents when things are going great and when things are going not so great on the court.
Always Have Film Available to Share
Because film is so essential, you will without a doubt get asked for it. Make sure that you have it available and you (or a parent) can easily send film to those asking for it.
Make sure you have some variety - if you only hand over a small sample of film where you did tremendously well, a coach is likely to ask for more.
It is important to have current film available! If you only send a coach film from two years, they would probably be left to assume you are not a serious candidate. Make sure you are adding recent film to your archive.
Value Of Mixtapes?
Mixtapes are easy to share and good for exposure, but they are also easily hyped up. Just because a mixtape looks good does not mean that the player has significant command over the skills a coach is looking for. Good for exposure, not of great value when it gets down to serious recruiting.
Are mixtapes bad or useless? No, but we would not advise spending hours upon hours compiling mixtapes. Coaching staff will always need to see film or a player on the court in-person prior to getting serious about their possibility for recruitment. Better to focus on getting time on the court and acquiring film.
Looking to connect with scouts, recruiters, and coaches? Eager to get your film in front of them? Easier than ever with The Players Circle - download today to start maximizing your exposure.