Friday Filmroom and How to Edit a Highlight Video

The return of Friday Filmroom during a busy July live period! Along with highlighting players this particular article will have a double purpose of breaking down when and what clips to use in a highlight video. Because (shameless plug) along with the writing for PrepNetwork I also run my own video service, <a href="https://x.com/OKHoopsReport">OKHoopsReport</a> on X and other social media platforms. I have 15 years of experience of filming, editing and promoting highlights and other videos. So, I know what college coaches want to see and how to help grab their attention and keep them watching beyond the initial 5-10 seconds. If you're ever looking for professional quality highlights, or help editing a video: email okhoopsreport@gmail.com. Or if you simply want to learn how to better put together your own video or the video you're putting together for your daughter or player you coach, read on!   Below I'm embedding an example of my previous work and I'll break down a few aspects that I keep in mind while making a highlight tape.   Front load with best plays possible and get to the action quick. The opening play should be an eye catcher or quickly, show a best trait. For the Miles video below, I opened it with consecutive three pointers. Not just any three pointers, DEEP threes, showing that she has range. Which is one of they key traits that would make her stand out to college coaches. If a player's best trait is defense, show the steals and hustle plays. A great passer? Open with an amazing dime and build off that. Clutch scores showing emotion and winning habits are also great ways to stand out. The key is not to just open with a basic play and have one of your best plays of the season be hidden two minutes into the video.   Speaking of themes, having 15-30 seconds sections of different themes are a great way to keep a viewer engaged and show off a complete skillset. In this example, it goes from the opening three pointer section to showing off another strong aspect of Miles' game; defense/athleticism. She flies around causing havoc, racking up steals and blocks. Putting these plays together further establishes a player's identity. It helps a coach or scout understand "she plays hard and makes it happen on defense!". Its the same with a lead guard that opens with scoring, than transition to the great passes made.   Since brevity is a key, here's a note regarding FTs. If possible use a picture in picture feature to overlay them at the end of the play where the foul was drown. Can also 2X speed the clips of the FTs to fit them in as quickly as possible. Showing off made free throws matter, but they can slow down the momentum of the tape. And that's key for keeping a viewer interested.   Lastly, 90 seconds to about two minutes is probably the sweet spot for length. The videos for recruiting purposes need to be condensed and paint the best outline possible. The coaches don't need to see every transition run out or simple bucket around the rim. They want to see the best stuff and since they're likely going to watch a lot of them, they're probably not going to spend 5 minutes watching a full season tape till they've already gotten past the initial interest point. And the goal is to make a first impression and stand out from the crowd on social media and the busy email inboxes of college coaches.     <ol></ol>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/OKHoopsReport/status/1808255525441737162 </div></figure>        <a href="https://x.com/JordynR_2028/status/1810338010128597081">Highlights</a>   The incoming Lady Titan looks to be no stranger to getting after it on defense and pushing the tempo. Love the signs of vision and unselfishness in transition that set up teammate's scoring. Form looks great as a spot up threat from deep, and good control when pulling up in the mid-range. The highlights paint the picture of a well rounded and well drilled guard that should be ready to make an impact this winter as a freshman.     <a href="https://x.com/CombsIleeya/status/1810102565687718351">Highlights</a>   Long arms, good quickness and defense are what first stand out from watching Combs' End Game highlights. She sits down and guards with intensity, moving her feet and also having good timing when she does go to block shots or attempt steals. Has quality moves to the hoop on offene, including plus body control to get off shots. But will need to improve her finishing efficiency and touch. The framework and potential is there for Combs to be an intriguing prospect, and will require further monitoring going forward.     <a href="https://x.com/HannahBond2026/status/1810896046119100703">Highlights</a>   Even on "tape" Bond's huge wingspan stands out with the way she alter shots and impact passings lanes. Especially as there was one possession where she had the quick hands to get two blocks. Another plus, was seeing her consistent shooting not only as a floor spacing threat. But also seeing how she moved after setting screens. Either popping out to a spot in the mid-range or rolling and finding the pockets of space around the rim. There's a lot of talent for a Locust Grove team that made the Class 4A State Tournament, and Bond is a huge part of that as a mobile stretch forward.     <a href="https://x.com/Najyawilson_okc/status/1810076580842262824">Highlights</a>   A speedy lead guard playing up in the 17U Division of last weekend's tournament. Good first step in the halfcourt leading to paint touches and also blazing end to end speed in transition. At the rim, had good finishing and even the strength to finish through fouls. In the clips, she really leaned on her right hand when finishing. An area to monitor as she starts her high school career this winter.     <a href="https://x.com/courtniem23/status/1808226909475537376">Highlights</a>   A bulldog like lead guard, McCarroll displayed great chemistry and vision with her transition pushes and drives that led to feeds to her teammates at the rim. While also being able to get baseline with the purpose of driving and kicking to shooters. The signs of getting on the floor for loose balls and causing deflections were also a good addition to the tape, showing her havoc causing DNA. Her strength and tenacity where also apparent when she did decide to finish it herself, often earning trips to the line.

The return of Friday Filmroom during a busy July live period! Along with highlighting players this particular article will have a double purpose of breaking down when and what clips to use in a highlight video. Because (shameless plug) along with the writing for PrepNetwork I also run my own video service, OKHoopsReport on X and other social media platforms. I have 15 years of experience of filming, editing and promoting highlights and other videos. So, I know what college coaches want to see and how to help grab their attention and keep them watching beyond the initial 5-10 seconds. If you're ever looking for professional quality highlights, or help editing a video: email okhoopsreport@gmail.com. Or if you simply want to learn how to better put together your own video or the video you're putting together for your daughter or player you coach, read on!