How to Impress College Coaches Outside of Your Play
By Coach Shaun Little Horn
Everyone knows you have to be able to hoop to get to the next level. But what separates recruits with options from the ones who get passed over isn’t always talent—it’s the intangibles. Here’s how to catch a coach’s eye before you even touch the ball:
1. Body Language is Always Talking
You don’t have to say a word—your body language says everything. Coaches notice if you hang your head after a mistake, roll your eyes at teammates, or walk through drills. But they also notice the ones who clap for others, sprint to huddles, and stay locked in when they’re on the bench.
Bad body language can cost you a scholarship. Great energy can earn you one.
2. Be Loud—in the Right Way
Talk on defense. Call out screens. Hype your teammates. Ask questions during huddles. Coaches love vocal leaders who bring energy and make the gym better just by being in it. Even if you’re not the star, your voice can make you invaluable.
Quiet players blend in. Communicators stand out.
3. Be the First In, Last Out
You want to separate yourself? Show up early. Stay late. Help put up chairs, wipe sweat off the floor, or rebound for others. It shows humility, work ethic, and a love for the game—three things that travel well to any level.
Talent gets you noticed. Habits get you recruited.
4. Respect Everyone
College coaches are always watching—not just how you treat them, but how you treat your parents, teammates, refs, trainers, and managers. Disrespect in small moments tells coaches everything they need to know about what kind of teammate you’ll be.
They’re not just recruiting a player. They’re adding a person to their culture.
5. Be Coachable—Always
If you roll your eyes when corrected, make excuses, or blame others…you’re sending red flags to every coach in the gym. But if you take feedback, ask questions, and show you want to grow? That’s gold.
A player who listens is a player who improves.
Final Thought
Your game might get a coach to watch. But your attitude, work ethic, and presence will determine whether they keep watching—or move on.
If you want to be recruited, don’t just play like it.
Act like it.
— Coach Shaun Little Horn
