Fall tryouts are right around the corner. You may have even had a few captain’s practices already. Whether your sport is soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball, or a different fall sport, it’s important to make the proper offseason preparations in order to make a good first impression at tryouts. In the next few weeks before tryouts begin, you can prepare to stand out on the field by following these tips for making the most of fall tryouts.
Be vocal
Good communication should be one of the top skills coaches are looking for during tryouts. Make sure you are communicating with your teammates on each play. Being vocal and having good communication skills demonstrates leadership and confidence to your coaches. Your teammates will appreciate it as well. Practice your communication even when you are just playing with friends or family. Practice makes perfect, and pretty soon good communication will become second nature.
Stay moving
You don’t want to be known as the player that sits on the bench every chance you get. If you arrive early, start stretching, or find a teammate to warm up with. When the coach calls everyone in, you better hustle. Don’t sit for water breaks, and stay standing during scrimmages if you aren’t playing. Your coach will take notice of your hustle and enthusiasm, which will make a great first impression during tryouts.
Have the right attitude
No one likes a whiner. If a call doesn’t go your way or your coach tells you to do something you don’t want to do, don’t talk back. Having respect for your teammates and your coaches will go a long way at tryouts. The last player that makes the roster probably doesn’t have the most raw talent. When coaches are making those final roster decisions, they’re looking for players who show respect and have a great attitude that will help the team. Pick your teammates up when they fall. Offer encouragement to those who need it. Your great attitude won’t go unnoticed.
Find a private coach
Each of these tips will help you make an impression on the coach, but the number one things coaches are looking for are talent and ability. Seek the help of a private coach before fall tryouts start. A private coach will be able to work on key areas of your game to help you perform well. Working with a private coach can hone your strengths and improve your weaknesses until they become strengths. The one-on-one training environment will allow you to feel more comfortable to ask questions and practice a skill multiple times the right way. Try to become good at everything and an expert in one or two things. Fall tryouts do not have to be stressful. If your mechanics are a little raw, find a local coach in your area to help out. Everything else is up to you. Be communicative, stay moving, and have a great attitude. Your coaches will notice, and you will be well on your way to making the team.
