If you want put yourself in the best position to be recruited to the best college it means you can’t use social media like your friends do, like it or not.
As we’ve talked about in a previous social media post, college coaches are crossing athletes off their lists because of the content they’re posting on social media.
Now don’t get me wrong… I’m not against athletes using social media. At all. There are many benefits to using it and it’s a great way to stay in contact with friends and family and have some fun, but there are a few things athletes need to be aware of if they’re looking to impress recruiters.
Below I’ve listed 12 things I believe it’s important for athletes to keep in mind. Not all of them are compulsory, but they’re good for all athletes to know.
Do’s
1. Do use correct spelling and grammar
Not compulsory… but will make you look more mature than other players that recruiters may be looking at.
2. Do share your accomplishments
Some players I’ve talked to believe they may look arrogant by posting or tweeting about their accomplishments on social media. While it’s best not to go overboard on this, there’s nothing wrong with sharing the accomplishments you’ve worked hard to achieve. Remember not to disrespect the competition and to praise and thank others whenever you get a chance.
3. Do connect with coaches, skill trainers, and others that may help you
There are thousands of coaches and skill trainers on social media and they’re all out there looking to connect with others. Get in touch with them! Especially ones you find that live close to you. You never know what opportunities may arise.
4. Do remember that people can see the time of your tweet or post
If you’re sending out tweets at 2am and you have an early morning training the next day it’s going to explain why you’re struggling to give top effort the next day.
5. Do watch what you re-tweet
Don’t re-tweet anything you wouldn’t write yourself. Just because you didn’t write it originally doesn’t matter. By re-tweeting it you’re telling recruiters and your other followers that you share the same thoughts.
6. Do recognize the accomplishments of others
Recognize and give a shout out when other people you know achieve something great.
Don’ts
1. Don’t use an inappropriate Twitter handle
First and foremost, the Twitter handle or username you’re going to be using to promote yourself on social media must not make you look bad or immature.
2. Don’t get into arguments online
This is a must. As an athlete you’ll always be in the spotlight, and criticism, whether warranted or not, comes with being in the spotlight. There will be criticism directed your way and all players wanting to be great need to be the bigger person and not retaliate. The last thing you want to do is say something angrily online out of frustration.
3. Don’t post anything negative about your coach, team-mates, or the competition
There’s nothing that will cross you off a recruiters list quicker than bad mouthing your coach, teammates, or the competition. Doing so will show poor attitude and a lack of character.
4. Don’t use profanity or derogatory words
There’s no need for them and using them is a terrible habit to adopt. Using them makes you look very unprofessional and immature.
5. Don’t post about getting drunk or using illicit substances
Whether you drink alcohol or not, there’s no reason to be sharing it on FaceBook or Twitter. As for illicit substances, if you’re using them stop. They’ve wrecked far too many lives and they’re not worth it. Don’t succumb to peer pressure and use them.
6. Don’t share your password with anyone
You don’t want your friends giving you a bad name by posting inappropriate content trying to be funny.
Conclusion
To put it in a nut-shell, recruiters use social media to determine your character. They use your posts to find out who you really are. How you interact with others, what you like to do with your spare time, etc.
You need to present yourself the best way you can and following the tips above will go a long way to help you do that.
Players: If you wouldn’t want your parents or coach to read it, don’t post it.
Coaches: Consider running a social media seminar/meeting at the beginning of your basketball season. Let the players know the importance social media can play in their future.
I’d love to know… have you had any negative experiences with your players and social media in the past?