Playing college football is the dream of thousands of athletes across the country, but many families are unsure how to get recruited. The NCAA reports that only about 7% of high school football players will compete at the college level, and approximately 3% will play Division 1 ball. To top it off, not all football players will receive athletic scholarships.
Getting the attention of college recruiters is crucial for aspiring athletes. It involves showcasing your skills effectively and understanding what recruiters are looking for. To make recruitment simpler, here is a blog with simple steps to become a top-tier kicker and some college exposure facts to get noticed by college recruiters.
Five Simple Steps to Get You Ahead of The Game
Understand the Kicker Recruiting Process
The recruiting process is a frustrating road for 99% of specialists who want to play in college. Now there are the special 1% who are fortunate enough to be able to pick the school of their choice, but that’s not how it works for everyone else.
For the majority, the process now predominantly occurs through kicking camps and coaches. Fifteen years ago, this was not the case. Today, kickers without connections to well-established kicking coaches often get overlooked. College coaches, constrained by time, prefer consulting trusted kicking coaches for recommendations on top prospects. This practice ensures that recruited kickers have already been vetted, saving coaches the time of reviewing countless highlight videos.
Attend a Kicking Camp
Attending a kicking camp serves as the initial step in the journey to becoming a top-tier kicker. It involves engaging in a structured environment designed to assess and enhance kicking abilities.
Participation in these camps is crucial due to the concentrated training and exposure to specialized coaching techniques. Engaging in a high school kicking camp allows for systematic evaluation and targeted feedback, which is essential for improvement.
Go Through the Standardized Charting Workout
Undergoing a standardized charting workout is an integral component of kicking camps. This process entails a series of drills and exercises designed to measure and document performance metrics. These standardized assessments are vital for providing objective data that reflects a kicker’s capabilities.
The primary advantage of this approach lies in its ability to offer quantifiable results that can be used to track progress over time. Adherence to a standardized charting workout ensures consistency and fairness in the evaluation process.
Receive Your Objective and Subjective Evaluation
Receiving both objective and subjective evaluations constitutes a comprehensive assessment of a kicker’s skills. Objective evaluations are based on measurable data obtained from standardized charting workouts. Conversely, subjective assessments include qualitative input from seasoned coaches.
The combination of these assessments gives a complete perspective on a kicker’s strengths and areas for growth. Employing both aspects is crucial in gaining a thorough grasp of a player’s capabilities and preparedness for elevated levels of competition.
Let Coach Filipovic Refer You to Colleges in Need
Qualified prospects may receive referrals to colleges in need of kickers. This referral process is facilitated by professional football kicking coaches like Coach Filipovic, who possess extensive networks within the collegiate football landscape. Coach Filip Filipovic is a former NFL kicker. Referrals are based on a player’s demonstrated abilities and potential, as evidenced by their performance in camps and workouts.
The significance of referrals cannot be overstated, as they provide direct access to collegiate programs actively seeking skilled kickers. The best practice for securing a referral is to consistently perform at a high level and maintain strong relationships with coaches.
Final Words
In conclusion, taking strategic steps such as attending kicking camps, undergoing standardized charting workouts, and receiving comprehensive evaluations is essential for any aspiring kicker looking to catch the eye of college recruiters.
Engaging in these activities like high school kicking camps, not only enhances your skills but also provides critical exposure and networking opportunities that are vital in today’s competitive landscape. Remember, consistent performance in real games and college camps is key to securing scholarships and making your mark.
To elevate your game and boost your chances of success, consider joining us at The Kicking Coach, a leading company in specialized coaching and college recruitment support.
