Camps and Showcases

Camps, Showcases, Combines, and Tournaments | What’s the Difference?

By Noah Fisher|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on December 7, 2021)

There are four main types of events that put recruits' abilities on display for coaches to see: camps, showcases, combines, and tournaments. This article breaks down each for you.

Camps are focused on showcasing basic abilities of all the athletes. You will practice drills focused on the fundamentals of the sport. The drills allow each player a chance to show a college coach why they should receive an offer. If you can't manage the fundamentals, fancy skills don't matter.

Camps are often open for sign-ups, so it is essential to be aware and on the lookout. There are also cases where it is invite-only to allow coaches a chance for a more exclusive look at players, so make sure you are getting in touch with coaches so you are on their radar. If you get a personal invite, vs a generic invite or sign-up yourself, it is likely that the coach is interested in recruiting you.

Showcases are the pinnacle of all recruiting. They allow players to participate in both competitive individual drills and scrimmages against fellow athletes. Showcases are a great tool for potential student-athletes looking to gain exposure, because many coaches attend. You can check the showcase website to see which schools usually send coaches, and if you're interested in specific schools, you can check their site to see which showcases they usually attend.

Tournaments revolve around competition. Teams are entered into the field, and coaches can sit back and watch how players respond to all different types of in-game scenarios. Being on a club team will get you into more competitive tournaments.

Combines are used to display individual athletes and to improve skills. Drills are geared toward athletic ability and are less sport-specific. Combines are used at the professional level, but are also often the best option for athletes who may be relatively new to a sport or looking to get involved.