What does it mean if a college coach invites you to a game?

By Jason Bolton May 25, 2023 15:50

Photo by exactsports.com

If you're a high schooler and college coaches invite you out to one of their games it is kind of a big deal. It means the coach is interested in recruiting you to their team and would like to evaluate your skills, as well as determine if you will be a good fit for their program. The catch is: that's all the invite to a game ever was supposed to be — one of the steps on the recruiting ladder. This is an opportunity and therefore must be executed with professionalism, attention to detail, and persistence.

The important to know here is that the coach has more than one factor he looks at when evaluating you. That includes your conduct before the game, in between, and after play is just as important to who you are on that field. So, act professionally at all times and always show respect to the coach, players, and fans.

When you get to the game, go up and shake hands with the coach before playing in a non-creepy manner. What specific player or position would they like you to key in on during the game? It demonstrates you are open to new ideas and want better performance, that the opportunity is important in your eyes.

Be in the moment mentally with sharp reminders of what is happening live on the field. Watch the way they play, their strategies, and their communication. That will provide you with an idea of the coach and what they are watching in a player.

Do not feel discouraged if you are not playing the game. Instead, take the opportunity to encourage your potential future teammates. Clapping, cheering some words of encouragement, and showing yourself to be part of the team helps them move up. After all, coaches are not only looking for the best player - they are also on the lookout for players who will match their culture and team-first mindset.

Thank the coach for inviting you and allowing them to play. Have they got any feedback on things you could do to ensure your success in being recruited? This indicates that you value feedback and are willing to put in the effort for better results.

Last, but by no means least: within 24 hours, send a personal note or an email thanking everyone who made time out of their hectic schedule to meet with you. It will keep you in the coach's head and it shows that you're interested in their program. Remind them again in that note how much you are grateful for the opportunity and tell them once more why it is important to you. You might also want to say something specific about an aspect of the game that you observed and were surprised by, like one player's skills or a play in general.

Remember that an invite to a game is only the first step in recruiting. Even if the coach is interested, you need to have skills both on and off the field. Put in the work at school and keep your grades up, as great scholarship opportunities look for strong academic performance.

When the coach allows, you should also attend camps or clinics from the program and any other colleges of interest. This then, allows you to put your talent on display in a more controlled setting and get familiar with the coaches as well as some of the other players within that program.

Finally, when a coach invites you to play in their game that is major league and an opportunity to take the "invitation" seriously, prepare for this chance as well. Keep in mind the coach sees you both on and off the field send behave as such at all times, be a professional, and respect everyone involved. Focus on the ball as the game goes on, even if you are not playing, and make sure your presence is felt by supporting potential future team members. Finally, send a follow-up thank-you note or email within 24 hours, and then continue to work hard on your game and in the classroom so that you have an opportunity to be recruited by them down the road.