How to build a highlight reel that gets watched

Your reel should

• Lead with your strongest clips.
• Be concise and to the point: cut the build-up and the aftermath around each action.
• Mark you with a red arrow or marker, so no one has to guess which player you are.
• Show a variety of actions and plays.
• Be clear and high quality: avoid distant footage, so viewers can see you and the ball.
• Skip slow motion.
• Skip celebrations and unnecessary footage.
• Run no more than 60 seconds.
• Label each type of play, for example Defensive 1v1, Goal or Recovery Run.

Show a variety of plays

Include clips that show the attributes you bring to the game. These can include:

• Combination play: awareness, movement, first touch, passing and connection
• Key tackles and defensive interventions
• Goals and assists, with some variety
• Intelligent runs and overlaps
• Dribbling, turns and 1v1 ability
• Crosses and through balls
• Set-piece deliveries
• Passing range and distribution
• Hold-up play
• Positional awareness and off-ball movement
• Aerial ability
• Pressing, recoveries and work rate
• Even a long throw-in

Simple actions done exceptionally well can be just as impressive as an eye-catching skill move.

Use your two reels well

On FirstLook you post two reels of up to 60 seconds each. Many players put their top moments on one and their specific abilities on the other.

Build a complete profile

Scouts filter by position, level, age, location, gender and stats, so fill in every field you can.

Keep it fresh, and keep it honest

Swap in new highlights as your game improves; an up-to-date profile shows you are active and serious. Make sure your profile reflects your real abilities, experience and playing style. Scouts are not looking for perfect players. They are looking for the right players.