National Signing Day for football is right around the corner. The airwaves are a buzz with top recruiting class lists and school rankings.
Teams, businesses and organizations are only as good as the folks they have “on the bus.” Effective recruiting is critical to coaching success.
Talent is a given in the recruiting equation. It’s the easiest factor to assess – so most recruiting methods focus on it. But don’t stop there. Your recruiting plan needs to go beyond talent assessment.
Some things to consider:
- Remember that your coaching relationship begins with your first interaction.Clearly articulate your story as a coach and the story of your program.
- Highlight what you have to offer that differentiates you from other programs.
- Be ruthless in finding out what the athlete really wants. Listen carefully – everything they say has value.Let the recruit know up front what it takes to succeed in your program.
- Treat each prospect as an individual and create your own unique relationship with them.
- Recruit the whole family not just the individual athlete. Remember, the apple doesn’t often fall far from the tree.
- Be prepared to answer all the recruit’s questions. For sample questions, check out my earlier post Recruiting – A Sweet Dream or Your biggest Nightmare? Part 2 (JULY 28, 2009)
I am working on a detailed report for coaches to take their recruiting to the next level. Stay tuned! (Pun intended).
Good Luck!









