To Camp Or Not To Camp?

Most student athletes are confused on what to stay focused on during the summer months of their recruiting process. There are typically several options that present themselves to most student athletes across virtually every sport. It’s important that you not only take advantage of the options for exposure and training, but you also understand the timeline of the process in order to effectively take advantage of this time of year.

I would advise most families to seek out two camp opportunities over the course of the summer. Make sure to visit at least one schools camp that is actively showing interest. Make sure you read the signs to gauge just how interested a school is before you commit to any additional camps for the summer. If they’re reaching out on a personal level, whether that be phone (if NCAA rules permit, according to division level), email or personal hand written communications, make sure the coach wants you to be at his camp!

For the second camp or any other additional camps it’s ok to reach a bit to go see a higher level school, as long as you do the recruiting prep work before you attend the event. Most of the larger level schools will have smaller programs work their camps as well. Make sure to identify which additional schools may be at the larger camp you are planning to attend. That way you can reach out and introduce to those coaches before the camp and visit with them during the event..

I encourage every family to be fully educated on how to select a camp and recommend reading additional posts on this blog for more info.

In addition to selecting a camp, I recommend that each recruit understand what the normal recruiting pulse is for the summer. July tends to be a spotty month with contacting coaches. Coaches tend to have several obligations outside of the office during the summer months, so they may not be by their office phone or email account. I recommend that players remain patient when reaching out to coaches and leave plenty of time for follow up on the coaches’ end.

Once we leave July and head into August, recruiting will drastically slow down. Most fall sports will begin preseason camp at some point during the month, and naturally most coaches will focus their attention almost entirely on working with their current players to get them ready for the start of the season. I recommend that each high school recruit understand that it’s normal to have a slow August. During this time of the process you need to stay focused on having a tremendous preseason camp yourself. Stay healthy and help the younger players on your squad adjust and prepare to have a great year. If you and your teammates are playing well in the Fall, that will most certainly have a positive effect on your process.

Remember. The summers a great time to not only work on your game, but work on your recruiting process as well. Invest your time wisely, prepare to be a champion today!

July 14th, 2009 - by Rick McDole

Video Speaks Volumes over Paper

The importance of a skills video in a sport like baseball goes unnoticed at times. Just because you state on a piece of paper that you throw 86-88 MPH consistently does not mean a coach is going to automatically recruit you. It’s the same way that just because you earn a 3.8 GPA doesn’t mean you will be accepted in to every school. Interviews and essays are just as important as mechanics in a sport like baseball.

A video is not the “end all, be all”, but it does open the door for you if a college coach is wary about your true ability on paper, especially if a program is far away. Once you have video available it is important to sap as much out of that as possible. Much more important questions can be asked after a coach can evaluate footage of your at your position.

Families always ask me how to decide between camps and video is one of the most important parts of this decision making. It is vital that you try to get a feel for the coach’s interest by asking for feedback on a video before figuring out where you need to spend your money and, most importantly, your time throughout this process.

Many people believe game footage is vital for a sport like baseball, but a coach does not have the time to sit down and watch a video of you in an entire game. Also, it’s hard to figure out what angles and footage a coach wants to see. If you have not put a video together yet, be sure to check this page out for more information about how to put a quality video together. After you have created your video this cloudy process will begin to clear up a bit for you and you will understand what you have been missing out on.

August 5th, 2009 - by Brandon Liles

6 Rules to Follow to Improve Your Emails to College Coaches

Hundreds of recruits write emails and notes to NCSA everyday.

The good news? Almost every email that we receive from prospective recruits is well-intentioned and expresses a sincere desire to continue their athletic career.

The bad news? Many of these emails are filled with errors, slang terms and incomplete sentences. Now, everyone understands that spelling and grammar errors are bound to happen to even the best writers (In fact, today I noticed an error in an article of one of my favorite writers who works for a small little publication known as Sports Illustrated). The reality is that mistakes happen.

However, if these same notes were sent to a college coach, they would jeopardize a recruit’s relationship with that coach. Remember, that email might be your first impression…how do you want to be remembered?

Let’s look at few notes that NCSA has received in the last two days alone from student-athletes:

-i’m a teenager i been played basketball since i was 10 now i’m 16.My dreams is to make it to the nba and i am an follow dreams into it become true,my parent dont have the opportunity to pay college for me.I been wroking hard all my life and i beleive on my self so what i need from you guys it’s a litle help just to make my dreams come true.I know i can be like Micheal Jordan trust me and you will see my name in news as the second best basket ball player in the nba.please just help me go to college.

-Sorry about the impatience with the prior emails, I’m just beyond greatful and excited to have this oppertunity to help further my basketball career. I have received the e-mail pertaining what I should have to be prepared for the conference call with your National Scout. I cannot thank you enough for this oppertunity.

-Just want to see if I can get a free ride. You know what I mean.

-So i can be the best that i can be if u get this letter my name is xxx i just want to colledge to play basket ball my grades are good im going to hold back on my junior year for basketball so i can improve my weight,jumpshot,rebouning but trying to improve everthing but i will play my senior year at XXX school so please get back with me the top 5 colledge i had and mine was Flordia,Duke,Northcarlonia,Usc,Kansas or get drafted from high school please write me back my adress is XXX plaese come see me my senior year im only 16 ywars old my height is 6feet even im still growing my weight is 229 i just trying to take my talent to another level please dont let me down i will be a senior and 1 year school coming back in i will be a junior but just give me 1 year to develop i promise you wont be sorry

Each of these notes have different issues, which we will not focus on since they should be obvious, but all of them share one common problem: They will NOT make the best impression if they were sent to a college coach.

Here are a six rules to follow when sending letters or emails to college coaches:

Rule One: Do not rush through emails to coaches. If you rush, you are asking for mistakes. Take your time and make sure your email is concise and you have asked any necessary questions.

Rule Two: Have a proper introduction (Dear Coach Jones, Hi Coach Jones) and closing in your emails. Create your own signature that includes your contact information. A good signature not only looks professional, but it also reiterates your contact information to a coach.

Rule Three: Do not use any slang words. You are not having a conversation with a friend or sending a text message; this is a college coach and you should use proper English.

Rule Four: It is always a good idea to refer back to your previous contact with the coach. Make sure you answer any questions they had for you and that you aren’t repeating any information from a past email.

Rule Five: ALWAYS proofread your email. There should be no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors in the email.

Rule Six: Send emails to coaches one at a time. “CCing” several coaches, or sending a mass email, is not looked upon favorably

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a proper letter / email to a college coach courtesy of “Athletes Wanted – The Complete Game Plan for Maximizing Athletic Scholarships”

Dear Coach Jones,

As a member of the Eclipse soccer club and a freshman varsity starter at Niles North High School, I am beginning my search for a college soccer program where I can make an immediate impact, as well as further develop my skills and strength.

My goal academically is to pursue a degree in medicine, and I am impressed by the pre-med program that Hiram College offers. I also like the small class sizes and professor-to-student ratio. I currently attend a large high school and am looking forward to a more personalized college education.

I know the process is early, but I’m hoping to be considered for your program. Would you be so kind as to send me information about Hiram and a questionnaire?

Enclosed is my profile. I am in the process of putting together a video, and I will send you a link to my video as soon as it is prepared.

As a heads up, I will be at the Disney Showcase and the Las Vegas Shootout, so hopefully you will be able to see me play. In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.

I look forward to continuing the recruitment process with Hiram College.

Sincerely,

Jane Student #3 Eclipse (blue and white jersey)

September 30th, 2009 - by Chris Krause

Cortney Sims Looking Forward to Entering College in January

Cortney Sims, Lanett Lady Panthers all-state standout, has become a client of Fourth and Goal Ballers, Inc and is looking forward to re-opening her recruiting process. Cortney originally signed with Enterprise-Ozark Community College. She will be completing her studies in December and looks forward to entering her chosen school in January. Cortney enjoyed a stellar career at Lanett High School in Lanett, Alabama. The 5'10" forward's accomplishments include All State Honorable Mention, All Area MVP, All Region, First Team Opelika-Auburn News. She was selected for the Bi-City Classic and West Georgia Classic All Star Games and was MVP of the West Georgia Classic. She averaged 12 points and 14 rebounds per game. Cortney is the career leader in rebounds at Lanett High School with 500. Cortney is known for being one of the best all around players in the state of Alabama.

More Eligibility Stuff

If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse will analyze your academic information and determine if you meet the NCAA's initial eligibility requirements.

If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you should start the certification process early, usually by the end of your junior year.

To be certified by the Clearinghouse, you must:

1. Graduate from high school.
   You should apply for certification before graduation. If you appear to meet NCAA requirements, the Clearinghouse will issue apreliminary certification report. After you graduate, the Clearinghouse will review your final transcript to make a final certification decision.
2. Take at least 14 core courses in the following areas*, earning at least a "C" or better:
   1. 4 years of English (3 years for Division II)
   2. 2 years of Mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
   3. 2 years of Social Science
   4. 2 years of Natural or Physical Science (including at least one laboratory class)
   5. 1 year of an additional course (English, Mathematics, or Natural or Physical Science - 2 yrs. for Division II)
   6. 3 years of extra core courses such as foreign language or any category above.
      
      *Beginning in 2008, Division I will require 3 years of math and 4 years of extra core courses for a total of 16 required core courses.
3. Earn a minimum combined score on the SAT I or the ACT with a minimum GPA in the 14 core courses. There are separate requirements for Division I and Division II schools.
   Division I requirements include an eligibility index that specifies the minimum GPA and test scores. This index is available in the Guidance Office and Career Center.
   Division II requires:
   

• Minimum 2.00 in the 14 core courses.
• Minumum of 68 (sum of scores on the 4 individual ACT subtests) or an 820 combined math and Critical Reading on the SAT.

REGISTER ONLINE!
Prospective student-athletes may register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse online. Simply go the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse web site by clicking here. By registering online, prospects will be able to view their eligibility information online and will not have to call the clearinghouse for eligibility updates. Online registration saves time and allows prospective student-athletes to view their eligibility status up to six weeks faster than through the paper registration process.

For additional information, see your high school Guidance Specialist or visit the NCAA website.

Fourth and Goal Ballers Partners with Elite Performer Sports to Provide Personal Training and Football Camps

Performance Training EPS has expertise in training players in the 40, shuttle, L-drill, vertical/broad jumps and also Olympic lifting techniques that increase explosiveness and power. If you participate in EPS combine prep training, you are guaranteed to improve in all the combine tests. EPS performance training sessions are video recorded are uploaded to EPS recruiting site and marketed to recruiters.

Camps EPS camps are designed to teach players skills that college recruiters look for in their evaluation process. EPS camps are coached by qualified coaches that are all college players, professional players or ex-professional players. EPS gives quality instruction and players that train with EPS learn skills that they use to be successful on the field. EPS camps are video recorded are uploaded to EPS recruiting site and marketed to recruiters.

Combines EPS combines are designed in the same fashion as NFL combines. Players participate in the 40, short shuttles, L-drill, vertical jump, broad jump, and bench press. Players are also put through position drills that allow players to display their ability. EPS combines are video recorded are uploaded to EPS recruiting site and marketed to recruiters.

Player Marketing EPS has relationships with recruiters all over the country. Players can upload highlight video to the EPS recruiting site. Players that participate in EPS Camps, Combines and Performance Training have their video uploaded and marketed, bringing more exposure and increased scholarship opportunities. EPS is partners with Football Recruiting Expos, which brings in hundreds of recruiters to watch film on players and evaluate them. This partnership gives players that participate in EPS events a great advantage. On average EPS meets with 150 recruiters per year personally.

erasmusharvey@yahoo.com 404-358-0659

WWW.ELITEPERFORMERSPORTS.NING.COM

Should I Attend a Post Graduate Prep School?

What is a postgraduate year?

A postgraduate, or "PG year" as it is often called, is a full academic year of study generally pursued between graduation from high school and matriculation at a college or university. A PG year is offered at many independent schools throughout the country and usually involves a residential experience.

Who might be interested in a postgraduate year?

Reasons for pursuing a PG year are almost as varied as the interests, personalities, and ability range of any broad cross-section of college bound students. A student may need another year after high school to develop basic academic skills. A student-athlete may have put more emphasis on athletics and less on studies in high school, or a student may have discovered a latent athletic talent too late in a school career to gain the notice of college coaches. Another might have graduated a year younger than most classmates and may feel the need for additional maturation before college. Still others find themselves with college choices which no longer match their needs, but are beyond the point at which it is feasible to begin a new college search and still meet deadlines; rather than commit to an inappropriate college choice, such students might use the postgraduate year as a second chance at the college admission process.

Actually, the only common characteristic of all postgraduate students seems to be their common desire to improve themselves in preparation for a college education. Students who successfully complete a postgraduate year invariably enter college directly after graduation. Further, the traditional PG year lessons in personal organization and confidence building, combined with development of genuine intellectual curiosity, have lifelong value which transcends the college years.

BENEFITS OF A POST GRADUATE YEAR OF FOOTBALL

*ENHANCE CLASSROOM ABILITIES FOR COLLEGE

*ALLOW FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GPA AND SAT/ACT TEST SCORES

*TEACH SELF-DISCIPLINE REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE CLASSES

*DEVELOP BETTER STUDY HABITS THROUGH STUDY HALL

*INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAMS OF STUDY

*NO LOSS OF COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY

*IMPROVE TECHNIQUE THROUGH USE OF VIDEOTAPING

*PROVIDE ADDITIONAL YEAR FOR GROWTH AND MATURITY

*ENHANCE STRENGTH AND AGILITY IN A SUPERVISED, MONITORED PROGRAM

*ALLOW INELIGIBLE SENIORS TO PLAY ANOTHER SEASON

Should You Take The ACT OR SAT?

Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. All schools accept either test interchangably. So as you begin to think about college and creating the best application package possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question, "Which test should I take?"

What's the Difference Between the ACT and SAT?

Test Structure and Format

	ACT	SAT
Length	3 hours, 25 min (with Writing Test)	3 hours, 45 minutes
Structure	4 Sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional Writing Test	10 Sections (3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and 1 Experimental, which is unscored)

Scoring

	ACT	SAT
Score	Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections 4 scores of 1-36 for each test Optional Writing Test score of 0-12 (not included in the overall score)	Total score range of 600-2400 based on adding scores from 3 subjects 3 scores of 200-800 for each subject Score of 0-12 for the Essay
Wrong Answer Penalty	No penalty for wrong answers	¼ point subtracted from your raw score for each wrong answer (except for Math Grid-Ins)
Sending Score History	You decide which score is sent	You decide which score is sent *Some colleges require you to send all scores, check with the college to be sure

Content

	ACT	SAT
Reading	Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections 4 scores of 1-36 for each test Optional Writing Test score of 0-12 (not included in the overall score)	Total score range of 600-2400 based on adding scores from 3 subjects 3 scores of 200-800 for each subject Score of 0-12 for the Essay
Math	No penalty for wrong answers	¼ point subtracted from your raw score for each wrong answer (except for Math Grid-Ins)
Science	You decide which score is sent	You decide which score is sent *Some colleges require you to send all scores, check with the college to be sure
Essay	Optional Final Section 30 Minutes Not Included in Composite Score Topic of importance to high school students	First Section 25 Minutes Factored into overall score More abstract topic

Kaplan Review