Zev Taublieb shows high school athletes how to approach college coaches at recruiting showcases. Skip casual chat and hand them a pamphlet with a QR code instead. Follow up with a pre-written email asking to shake their hand, and if they decline, that's actually a good sign they read it.
Never do this at your college showcase. Hey coach, I just wanted to tell you that I'm playing right over there and I'm really curious about how's your day going and what you're doing and, you know, did you watch me play? You're gonna come to my game like I'm right over here. If you're a parent, never do this. Hey, so I'm the parent, I'm the admin actually of our club team and I just want to give you this pamphlet. I just want to ask, you know, how's your day going? Like, has it been busy? Are you scouting anybody right now? What positions are you looking for? Are you done with your 2026 people ask, they're like, where are you at in the process? Instead, do this: hey coach, I'm just in between games right now. I understand you're really busy. I just wanted to hand you a pamphlet. It does have my game schedule on it. Have a great day. Look forward to exchanging emails with you. And then leave. If you're a parent, do this: hi coach, I understand you're really busy. Just wanted to hand over my pamphlets here. You'll see the QR codes on them. If you need anything else, let me know. This is the best thing to do because the coaches are really busy. Now, you have every right and every desire to want to talk to them, so this is why before the showcase You need to email them the following template: Dear Coach, genuine, my name is— but the question you're going to ask at the beginning of the email is, may I shake your hand in person? Some of you are going to be in 8th grade, 9th grade, and the coaches are going to tell you we're not allowed to do that. Good. Let them say that to you. That means that they read the email, and that's a very good thing. For you juniors, the coaches may very well say to you— and other coaches will say to you too because they'll break the rules— now you go to the showcase They're gonna watch you play, and then you get to meet with them afterwards. That's like a visit, like, it's incredible. If you want more help, give me a call. Links in the bio. Bye.
