|
|
Tips and Thoughts for a Punting Pro try-out
(based on an email received from a Canadian athlete trying to break into
the professional level) Go HERE for an Arena League Tryout question(s)
I'm not sure I can point you one specific
person and/or number to get the opportunity you need. In fact, I'm not
sure there's one person anywhere that can to that. However, what I can
do is tell you my experiences (good and bad) and send you a couple links
for more info.
First - you realize that all the cards
are stacked against you right? (except for you ability). I'm not
knocking you, but you have to understand it's a LONG uphill battle with
no college experience, no semi-pro long-term stats or film and your age
(believe me, I've been there!). SO, you'll have to somehow persuade
prospective teams that those aren't issues, and you do have the talent
to make their team better.
Second - Really consider finding a good
agent. I know, $$ is the first thing that pops into your head! BUT, I
believe it was a mistake on my part to not have a well recognized agent
for kickers/punters or at least a sports agent (these are the guys/gals
that have the contacts). Best suggestion would be to hit the internet,
talk with other sports coaches/players you may still know, or talk with
the camp that I'll provide the link to below. If you do find an agent,
make sure they realize you don't have a lot of upfront money, but that
they can have a cut of your paycheck after you make the team. The agent
not only manages you, but definitely knows a lot more NFL/World League
contacts than we do!
|
|
Third - Make yourself a real nice training video tape. If you don't have
any game film/semi-pro film then make your own! Have a friend come out
and set up a filming tri-pod, and start filming your practice session
(pretend it's a show-off session!).Try and use a high-quality camera
(digital would be good). Borrow if you have to. Take front views, side
views, back views, angle views. Try and film it on a lined football
field so the prospective coach can see distance etc. Have a couple wide
shots for the directional punting aspect. Make sure you can see where
the ball hits so the viewer can get an accurate hangtime. If you also
hold for extra points field goals, include a quick shot of that (using a
snapper). Extra selling point! Edit it well so your best punts show up
and it last no longer than 4-6 mins (coaches of course don't' have much
time!) Even do a self introduction so they can see what you look like.
Sell yourself and your abilities!
Fourth - As you mentioned in your email,
get to a couple camps to get more visibility. The one that I know that
always brings NFL coaches etc to, is the Pelfry camp in Arizona http://www.pelfreykickingcamps.com/pksprofas.htm
. Somehow he has the monopoly on tryouts! Call and pick their brains.
Costs a little bit of $ and time (and a ticket down there), but may be
well worth it. I should've gone there, but chose not too - mistake. Once
you nail all of this, write back and I can give you a few pointers on
try-outs. Just remember, it is a cut-throat business and there's a bunch
of punters that think they're the best. Somehow you have to set yourself
apart from them. Just trying to get a tryout is the hardest part!! Keep
your head up and don't get disappointed if someone doesn't return you
call(s). Keep bugging them (coaches aren't the most organized folks in
the world ...) Let me know if we can help here from InsideKicking, and
best of luck!
|
|
