By Michael Husted
Active.com

How to Make Contact Properly

Yes, the NCAA has restrictions on when they can contact you. However, there are no restrictions on when and how often you can contact them.

• Start with an email to the coach.
• Copy and paste a direct link to your online resume.
• This puts them one click from being introduced to you and viewing your video.
• Follow up with a phone call (student-athletes make the call, not the parents).
• When you reach them, chances are they are in their office and in front of their computer.
• Direct them to you video profile.
• Utilize this call to serve as an interview.
• Be confident when speaking with them.
• Keep calling until you reach them.

My soccer coach used to tell us, "Keep shooting on goal. Eventually, you are going to score." I believe that this advice can be used in recruiting as well. There are hundreds of college programs out there. There will be several that will be a good fit for you academically as well as athletically, if you are willing to be flexible.

Sending DVDs can be helpful, but most coaches throw them away so they won't trip over them in their offices. These are called "unsolicited" DVDs and a waste of money. Think about the cost to produce and mail out DVDs to hundreds of schools. If you do have DVDs produced, wait until a college requests them.

With an online video profile, you can consistently update your video without having to produce a new DVD. Signing up to an online recruiting site that allows college coaches to search by filters can only increase your odds of being discovered. However, you still need to be very proactive in getting your name out.

With the cost of gas, many colleges will cut back on traveling. However, they still need to recruit. Help make their jobs easier and increase your odds by working wisely in promoting yourself.

No one is going to market yourself better than you and your parents. If you are serious about playing college sports, then prepared to do whatever it takes.