Small Forward Basketball Highlight Video Guide for College Recruiting
The small forward is a two-way job, and that is the first thing a college basketball coach checks on film: what do you give the team on offense, and what do you give it on defense? Players who show only one side of the position get passed over, because rosters are built around athletes who influence the game in more than one phase. Your video should prove you are one of them, with clips that move between both sides instead of leaning on a single strength.
Also known as Wing, Three, the small forward (SF) is a forward position that requires a unique combination of skills that coaches can evaluate through well-structured game footage with clear player identification.
What College Coaches Evaluate in Small Forwards
When college basketball coaches watch a small forward highlight video, they are assessing these specific skills and attributes. Your video should demonstrate as many of these as possible through competitive game footage.
Positional versatility (can guard 2-4)
Include at least two or three clips that show this against competitive opponents.
Three-and-D capability
Pull a few examples from different games so a coach sees this more than once.
Rebounding from perimeter
One clip proves nothing here — stack two or three so it reads as a pattern, not a fluke.
Length and athleticism
Include at least two or three clips that show this against competitive opponents.
Basketball IQ
Pull a few examples from different games so a coach sees this more than once.
Ability to play multiple positions
One clip proves nothing here — stack two or three so it reads as a pattern, not a fluke.
Physical maturity
Include at least two or three clips that show this against competitive opponents.
Recommended Clips for Small Forwards
Your small forward highlight video should include these types of clips. Aim for 15-25 clips from competitive games, 5-15 seconds each.
Recommended film mix for small forwards
Shooting, versatility, athleticism
Circle Placement Tips for Small Forwards
Circle yourself on both ends of the court. For a two-way small forward, the tracking circle matters most in the moments you are not the focus of the play — drifting into space, tracking back, rotating over to help. Those reps separate you, and they are invisible in team footage unless a coach can find you, so start the circle early and let your movement between phases stay easy to follow.
Keep it on through the shifts between offense and defense, because that switch is where coaches judge your motor and your feel for the game. Adding the circle in CircleOn.me at the start of each clip, with a short freeze-frame, lets a coach see your starting position on both sides of the play and evaluate the full contribution rather than a single touch.
Small Forward Measurables by Division
While your highlight video showcases your skills, coaches also evaluate measurables. Here are typical standards by division level for small forwards.
| Level | Measurables |
|---|---|
| d1 | 6'5"-6'8", 200-220 lbs, 32"+ vertical, 6'9"+ wingspan |
| d2 | 6'3"-6'6", 190-210 lbs, 30"+ vertical |
| d3 | 6'2"-6'5", 185-205 lbs, 28"+ vertical |
Common Mistakes in Small Forward Highlight Videos
Avoid these common pitfalls when creating your small forward recruiting video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Small Forward Highlight Video
Add tracking circles to your basketball game footage and stand out to college coaches.
Related Guides
Point Guard Basketball Guide
What college coaches evaluate for basketball point guards and which clips to include.
Read GuideShooting Guard Basketball Guide
What college coaches evaluate for basketball shooting guards and which clips to include.
Read GuidePower Forward Basketball Guide
What college coaches evaluate for basketball power forwards and which clips to include.
Read GuideCenter Basketball Guide
What college coaches evaluate for basketball centers and which clips to include.
Read Guide