camps
How Many Football Camps Should An Athlete Attend?
Quick Answer
Most athletes should attend two to four intentional camps per summer — ideally at schools already showing interest. More than that usually signals chasing exposure instead of executing a plan.
Quality and intention beat volume.
A typical summer
- One camp at a 'reach' school already showing interest.
- One camp at a 'fit' school (D2, D3, NAIA depending on level).
- One position-specific skills camp for development.
- Optional: one regional showcase if film is strong.
Why not more?
- Recovery and skill work suffer.
- Costs add up fast.
- Coaches see athletes at multiple schools and notice when families spray.
How to pick
- Look at the coach list — are coaches who can actually offer your athlete present?
- Look at the size — small invite-only or position-focused beats 400-athlete showcases.
- Look at the fit — same level your athlete is realistically being recruited at.
Rule
Every camp should have a written purpose: develop, get evaluated, or build a coach relationship.
Common Mistakes
- •Attending every camp invite that lands in the inbox
- •Picking camps by brand instead of coach access
- •Skipping rest and recovery to camp every weekend
- •Going to camps at levels far above or below fit
- •Not following up with a coach after the camp
Key Takeaways
- Two to four intentional camps per summer is plenty
- Coach access beats camp size
- Pick camps that match the athlete's realistic level
- Every camp needs a purpose
- Always follow up after
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