Camp reasons

10 TIPS: GO FROM CAMPER TO RECRUIT THIS SUMMER
10 TIPS TO GO FROM CAMPER TO RECRUIT

#1 – LET YOUR RECRUITING COACH KNOW THAT YOU ARE COMING AND WOULD LIKE AN EVALUATION: Call the camp office (the phone number should be on the brochure) a couple days before the camp that you are attending and tell the person who answers the telephone your name, position and high school. Ask which coach recruits your area or position. Write down their name and get their direct email address and phone number. Ask to be transferred to them—let them know or leave a voicemail telling them that you are coming to the camp in a couple days (don't call much sooner, they will forget), that you are emailing your highlight tape right now and would like an evaluation, if possible, at the camp. Email them a link to your most recent highlights and include your name, high school, position, grad year, height, weight and contact information along with the camp date that you will be attending. When you arrive to check-in, ask a staff member if your recruiting coach is there and to point them out or see if they are able to introduce you to them. Tell them you are excited to be there say you would hope to get an evaluation and see if they had a chance to look at the highlights that you sent them.

#2 – NETWORK WITH ALL OF YOUR COACHES: Get to know all of the coaches who are working the camp—not just the coaches from the school that is hosting the camp. Many camps, especially at major Division-I programs, have several other college assistants working them, usually from smaller schools. Many college coaches are there to network and recruit. They are usually connected to the coaches at the school that is hosting the camp, as well as several other college coaches from many different levels. (Old teammates, co-workers, friend of a friend or met at a conference.) There are also usually several high school coaches that are working at the camp, and they may also have leads for you to other college coaches at all different levels. During meals or down time, simply pull them aside and ask them for ADVICE—let them do most of the talking. Tell them, "Coach, I really want to play on the next level, can you give me an evaluation, let me know what you think I need to work on in order to be recruited." This will open the door—some may have no leads for you but MOST probably will. Even if you aren't someone they are interested in recruiting, most coaches are happy and willing to help and there is a chance that you may be a fit for a school that one of their friends coaches at. Some will be happy to make an introduction or call on your behalf, and you may get recruited from there. NETWORK with ALL of the coaches and simply ask for their advice!

#3 – TEAM CAMPS: Team Camps are a great way to build chemistry with your team, network with coaches, get a chance to be on a college campus and to see how your team stacks up versus other teams in the area. Team Camps are also usually more affordable than Individual Camps. Talk to your prep coaches or parents about the possibility of getting a group together and fundraising. Definitely a great investment for your recruitment and your upcoming season!

#4 – GET A PART-TIME JOB: Camps can be expensive but if you believe you are worthy of being recruited and aren't getting the attention that you would like, they are a TREMENDOUS way to get your foot in the door to find out if there is any interest from a particular school or to network with several college coaches. Unfortunately, due to NCAA rules, no school is able to discount or offer need-based camp scholarships. But, never let money be an excuse—plan early and get a part-time job or find out if your family, high school athletic department, church, youth group, athletic league, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, sister, Police Athletic League or anyone else that you are close to is able to help you cover the cost of camp. Sessions usually run between $150-$300 for a few days worth of work. Think about if there is anyone in your family or life who is able and willing to help you, in most cases there is! It is a really great investment! Camps could be something that you asked for as your birthday present, holiday present or something that you could earn through chores or an allowance.

#5 – CAMP WITH YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM: If you aren't gaining much interest, start with the local universities that are near your home and try to get into their camp. Remember, one of the first questions a coach will ask you is, "Who have you been offered by." Even if it's not your dream school and you are just counting the minutes until you can move far, far away… it always will help you gain interest from other schools if you have a scholarship offer from the hometown team. See #2 – Not only will you be networking with the coaches from that school, you will likely be networking with coaches from many other colleges who may have interest in recruiting you.

#6 – PRO-RATE CAMP FEES: Due to NCAA rules, schools are not able to discount camp rates or offer need-based scholarships… BUT, they are able to pro-rate camp fees. If you aren't able to afford the entire amount for a camp that lasts for several days, most schools do pro-rate their fees on a day-by-day or practice-by-practice basis. For example, if a camp is $300 for 5 days, you may be able to attend for one day for $60. You need to make the most of your time at this session—call before you go and let the recruiting coach know that you would like an evaluation if possible and ask for advice from every coach you are able to be around. Get there early and stay late, eat meals with staff and ask for ADVICE on getting your foot in the door to be recruited. Squeeze as much networking into the day as possible!

#7 – COMPETITIVE OR ELITE CAMPS: Many major universities host smaller, more competitive camps that they like to emphasize to the players who they are evaluating or currently recruiting. Due to NCAA rules, invite-only camps are not allowed so any player who would like to attend (who fits in the grade range) may do so. Even if you haven't been personally invited by the coaches like some of the other players, you are able to attend and can still get your foot in the door with the coaches, Many players get recognized and begin to get recruited this way. Call each program that you are interested in and ask them if they plan on hosting a Senior Camp, Elite Camp or Competitive Camp for recruits. Sometimes information isn't advertised until a couple weeks before the camp, so continue to check in every month during the summer to find out if they are hosting such an event.

#8 – BEST WAY TO GET COACHES ATTENTION WHILE YOU ARE THERE: Outside of elite size and speed, coaches are always looking for players who are fundamentally solid and who know how to do the dirty work—the acts that help win games that most players don't necessarily want to do or the plays that don't necessary get the media or fan glory. Don't go into the camp trying to make a big ESPN-Top 10 worthy play… go into the camp trying to be the most fundamentally sound and physical player of the camp. Coaches LOVE players who hustle—players who make the textbook tackle and know how to finish; players who dive for balls, play defense and who can be a difference-maker on the boards; players who aren't just trying to always be flashy but who are always trying to make EACH play that comes their way. Don't focus on making that ONE extraordinary play… focus on making every play count. Coaches aren't looking for flash—they are looking for fundamentals. Want some extra credit? Go out to the field 10-15 minutes early and if the drills are set up (and there are coaches on the field) get in some extra speed or footwork!

#9 – STAY OFF YOUR FEET: If you are really trying to get noticed at the camp, treat it as many college and pro players do—like pre-season training camp. Stay hydrated, eat well and stay off your feet! If you are attending an overnight camp, instead of running around the dorms like a 6-year-old and cannonballing into the pool, get to bed early and give your body some rest so that you will be rested for the next practice. During the season, many college coaches are constantly reminding their players to STAY OFF YOUR FEET! Stay hydrated while at practice and make sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks at all of your meals. If possible, bring some extra drinks and bananas to your room to be able to rehydrate during the night. You don't want to lose valuable practice time because of cramps or dehydration!

#10 – TEMPORARY INSURANCE: Most camps will require campers to show proof of insurance—if you aren't covered but still want to participate in the camp, check into temporary policies that usually are very affordable that can give you 30-days of coverage.
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