Tournament & Exposure Strategy: How to Make Every Game Count

Make every tournament count.

Coaches recruit where athletes compete. That’s why tournaments, showcases, ODP events, Futures League, and JO’s are your best exposure opportunities. The athletes who turn these weekends into recruiting momentum aren’t always the biggest or flashiest—they’re the most prepared and the most consistent. This guide gives you a simple system you can repeat at every event to create real interest from college coaches.

Key Recruiting Events (Where Eyes Are On You)

• JO’s (Junior Olympics): The densest concentration of coaches you’ll see all year. Even short, focused emails and strong in-game habits can lead to conversations here.

• ODP (Olympic Development Program): Great for being evaluated in a standardized setting and meeting coaches/scouts in person.

• Futures League: Consistent game reps against quality opponents; coaches track progress across weekends.

• College Showcases/Camps: Smaller rosters = more touches and direct feedback. Treat these like mini-auditions.

These are where recruiting happens. Plan smart and stand out.

How to Get Noticed (Even on B or C Teams)

You don’t control your team letter, but you control your habits. Coaches evaluate translatable behaviors—things that work at any level.

On-deck & in-game habits that pop:

• Communicate constantly. Point, call matchups, organize counters. Coaches notice loud leaders.

• Play hard every possession. Sprint on transitions; never cruise between whistles.

• Respect referees & teammates. Be the athlete coaches want in their locker room.

• Show coachability. Eye contact during timeouts, quick adjustments, zero excuses.

• Win the “no-talent battles.” Body language, hustle to mid-pool, first back on defense, last off the water.

If you’re on a B/C team, your visibility comes from predictable excellence. Many coaches would rather recruit a consistent worker than a streaky “sometimes” star.

Before the Tournament (3–5 Days Out)

1) Build a simple coach list

• 8–15 schools that match your academics/athletic profile.

• Email addresses + Instagram handles (some coaches check DMs).

• A short note on why each school fits you.

2) Send concise intro emails (or DMs)

• Subject: [Your Name] – Playing at [Tournament Name] (Team [Name], #[Cap])

• Body: 4–6 sentences max (use the template below).

Example Email

Hi Coach [Last Name],
I’ll be playing in [Tournament Name] with [Team Name]. Our first game is on [Date/Time] at [Pool]. I’m #[Cap], a [Position], and would love for you to see me play.
Here’s my highlight video: [Link].
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name] – [Grad Year | GPA | City, State]

Pro tips

• Add your Top 2 game times so they can plan.

• Include one best highlight link (not five).

• If you’re injured or limited, say so and tell them what to watch for (leadership, communication, defense).

3) Prep your materials

• Highlight: a clean 60–90s version pinned on YouTube/Vimeo.

• Jersey/cap: match the roster number you sent.

• Checklist: shoes, snacks, water, tripod/phone holder for filming.

During the Tournament

What coaches notice more than goals

• Energy & effort: First to sprint, first to help, first to listen.

• Communication & leadership: Direct traffic on defense; call “ball,” “help,” “switch,” “drop left.”

• Consistency: Same tempo in game 1 and game 5.

• Game IQ: Read counters early, smart shot selection, quick transitions.

• Film discipline: Ask a parent/teammate to film 1–2 full quarters where you’re in frame.

Mini-Checklist (each game)

• Deep breaths before sprint → lock in.

• Win your first 2–3 possessions (energy sets the tone).

• No sloppy exclusions: body position before hands.

• Eye contact with coaches during timeouts.

• Quick reset after mistakes (one-play memory).

After the Tournament (Within 24–48 Hours)

1) Send a thank-you or follow-up

Two versions: one for coaches you emailed before, one for new contacts.

Template – Follow-up to prior email

Subject: Thank you – [Your Name] at [Tournament]
Coach [Last Name], thanks for your time last weekend.
Here’s a 1-minute highlight from the event: [Link].
We played [Result/Record]. My focus was [defense/counters/leadership], and I’d appreciate any feedback.
Best, [Your Name | Grad Yr | GPA | Phone]

Template – New contact (met at event)

Subject: Great meeting you at [Tournament]
Coach [Last Name], it was great meeting you. Here’s a short tournament highlight: [Link].
If you’d like full game film from [Game vs Opponent], I can share that as well.
Thanks for the time,
[Your Name]

2) Update your highlight

Add 3–5 clips that show team value: steals, field blocks, perfect counter passes, smart posts, winning sprints, drawing exclusions, goalie outlets. Keep it under 90 seconds.

3) Log everything

• Who you contacted

• Who replied

• Where you’ll follow up next (and when)

Common Mistakes (Avoid These)

• No outreach before playing. If coaches don’t know you’re there, they won’t “accidentally” find you.

• Waiting for the perfect game. Send that email now; consistency is more impressive than one big stat line.

• B-team lethargy. Body language, effort, and leadership are your brand—don’t switch them off.

• Five links in one email. One link, one ask, one next step.

• Radio silence after the event. A clean follow-up within 48 hours shows maturity.

The 10-Point Tournament Checklist

Before

1. Shortlist 8–15 schools and emails

2. Send concise schedule email with cap number

3. Pin your 60–90s highlight on YouTube/Vimeo

4. Pack hydration/snacks + filming plan

5. Sleep 8+ hours the night before

During
6. Communicate on defense; sprint every transition
7. Show leadership: huddles, handshakes, referee respect
8. Track 1–2 full quarters on film

After
9. Send 24–48h follow-up with 1-minute highlight
10. Log replies and set next contact date

For Parents & Coaches: How to Help (Without Overstepping)

• Film wide and steady from mid-pool; keep the athlete in frame (avoid extreme zoom).

• Note timestamps of strong plays to speed up editing.

• Reinforce habits, not stats. Praise energy, leadership, and team-first moments.

If You Don’t Hear Back

Silence ≠ “no.” Coaches are busy, in-season, and flooded with emails. Follow up politely every 2–3 weeks with a quick update (new highlight, new test score, schedule for the next event). Keep it professional and short.

Turn One Tournament into a Season of Momentum

Your advantage isn’t luck—it’s systems. Use this before / during / after structure every time you compete. Over a season, the compounding effect is massive: cleaner film, better emails, stronger habits, and more coach conversations.

Final Word

Recruiting rewards clarity, consistency, and character. If you bring those three to every tournament, you’ll stand out—no matter what team you’re on.