Do I Need to Go to Sports Camps?
Of course, it is possible to be a great athlete and get a scholarship without attending a sports camp. However, attending a camp can increase your chances of getting a scholarship to the school you would want to attend. Here are some advantages to attending a sports camp.
Three Reasons to Attend Sports Camps
You’ll improve your skills. Whether you attend a general camp or a focused camp, you’ll have the chance to learn new things from new coaches and practice against different players, who may have things to teach you, as well. Just getting in some practice at that level of play can help. Attending a focused camp will allow you to spend quality time on that particular skill with a coach or instructor that focuses on that aspect of the game.
You’ll make connections. Even if the camp isn’t a recruiting camp, you’ll still get a chance to work with college coaches. This can give you an in when you are sending out highlights DVDs later. If the coach recognizes you from camp, he may spend more time with your application than if you are a total stranger to him. You’ll also meet other players who are as dedicated to the sport as you are, and they may have good advice or leads that can help you.
You’ll be seen. Attending a showcase or prospect camp is a great way to get yourself out there and seen by recruiters and coaches. Remember that, while these two types of camps are similar, they differ in an important way. Both camps will have coaches or recruiters present to scout for talent. A prospect camp will only have coaches or recruiters from the school hosting the event. A showcase will include coaches or recruiters from multiple institutions. If you already know where you want to go, attending a prospect camp at that school is great. If you don’t know, or want to be seen and considered by multiple schools, a showcase is a better choice, as it will include coaches from different schools.
find sports camps near you