What is an Every Touch Video in Soccer Recruiting?

If you’re navigating college soccer recruiting, you’ve probably heard coaches mention “every touch videos.”

But what exactly are they, and why are they becoming the gold standard for college soccer recruiting evaluation?

What is an Every Touch Video?

An every touch video shows every single time a player touches the ball during a full game or significant portion of a match.

Unlike traditional highlight videos that showcase only the best moments, every touch videos give college coaches the complete picture of how you play.

These videos typically run 8-15 minutes and include every pass, shot, tackle, header, and dribble attempt. They’re filmed from an elevated angle to capture field vision and decision-making patterns.

Why College Coaches Prefer Every Touch Videos

College coaches want to see more than your best goals and assists. They need to evaluate:

• Decision-making under pressure – How do you handle tight spaces and defensive pressure?
• Consistency – Do you make good choices throughout the entire game?
• Work rate – How often are you involved in play during different phases?
• Technical ability – Can you execute basic skills reliably under match conditions?

Here’s an insight many families miss: coaches often fast-forward through highlight reels because they don’t show enough context. Every touch videos let them see exactly what they need to make recruiting decisions.

Every Touch vs. Highlight Videos: What’s the Difference?

Traditional highlight videos show 10-20 of your best plays set to music. Every touch videos show everything – good and bad touches alike. While highlight videos are great for initial interest, every touch videos are what serious college programs use for final evaluations.

How to Create an Effective Every Touch Video

• Choose the Right Game Pick a match where you played well but not necessarily your absolute best game. Coaches want to see your typical performance level, not just peak moments.
• Camera Positioning Matters Position the camera high enough to show the full field. Coaches need to see your positioning and movement off the ball, not just close-up action.
• Include Game Context Add simple graphics showing the score, time, and your jersey number. This helps coaches follow your performance throughout the match.
• Keep it Unedited Don’t cut out “bad” touches. Coaches expect to see mistakes – they’re evaluating how you respond to them.

When to Use Every Touch Videos

Every touch videos work best when:

• Coaches have already shown interest through ID camps or showcases
• You’re being seriously recruited by specific programs
• Coaches request them specifically (increasingly common)

Another key insight: send every touch videos to coaches who’ve seen you play in person. They already know your style and want to evaluate consistency across multiple performances.

NCAA Eligibility and Video Submissions

Remember that all recruiting videos must comply with NCAA eligibility rules. Ensure your every touch video includes only sanctioned competition footage and avoid any content that could jeopardize your amateur status.

The Bottom Line

Every touch videos give college coaches the honest evaluation they need while showcasing your complete game. As college soccer recruiting becomes more competitive, these comprehensive videos are quickly becoming essential tools for serious players.

Ready to take your recruiting to the next level? CollegeNovo’s platform connects you with college coaches actively seeking players like you, and our experts can guide you through creating recruiting videos that get results.