January 27, 2021
How to make yourself stand out at tryouts
As winter sports start to approach playoff time, spring sports will be here before we know it! For all those finishing up the last couple of weeks of your season, good luck! But for those not participating in a winter sport, it’s time to start thinking about spring sports tryouts and the start of your season!
Nebraska High Schools offer a variety of spring sports, including: soccer, baseball, track & field, girls tennis, and boys golf. These tryouts can be stressful, especially for young athletes. Oftentimes during tryouts, athletes tend to “think too much”, rather than just going out and playing like usual. To help prevent some of the stresses tryouts can cause, we have piled together some suggestions on ways to stand to coaches and have a successful start to your season!
Be prepared
A lot of the time coaches request athletes to do something prior to tryouts, such as getting a physical. It’s important that you are prepared and don’t forget to bring any forms on the first day of tryouts. Coaches may also ask you to wear certain apparel, and meet at a certain time and place. Showing up late or at the wrong place will not make a great first impression to any coach. It’s smart to make sure you arrive early!
Also, it’s important that you are readying yourself athletically and practicing your skills before the tryout. It will be hard if you show up to a baseball tryout without swinging a bat or throwing a ball months prior. There are many sport specific training programs that will enhance an athlete’s performance and prepare them for tryouts.
Pay attention
One of the most important things you need to do during tryouts, as well as practice and games is to always pay close attention to your coaches. When a coach is talking, make sure you are giving good eye contact. Doing this shows coaches that you care, and are willing to learn.
Always hustle
Another way to make yourself stand out to coaches is by always hustling. Jogging from station to station looks much better to coaches than walking. Also, helping coaches pick up cones, or other equipment after drills will show them that you are willing to help the team in any way possible.
Be a good teammate
There’s something about a positive athlete that really stands out to coaches. During tryouts, you are competing against others to make the team. However, that shouldn’t stop you from encouraging the others. Showing other athletes some love after they make a good play will stand out to coaches, and show them that you are a great teammate.
Ask questions
If you are confused about something or want a further explanation of what the coaches are asking of you, do not hesitate to speak up and ask! Coaches will view this as you caring and being proactive rather than just going through the motions and messing up the drill.
Be confident
The most important thing to remember during tryouts is to always stay confident. Mistakes happen from time to time, but don’t dwell on your mistakes! Your attitude will speak volumes to coaches, and coaches will monitor how you react to adverse situations. Always remember to have fun, stay confident, and just play the game!
Sports tryouts can be a bit nerve racking, but they don’t need to be! Preparing yourself mentally and physically, giving good eye contact to coaches, hustling whenever possible, being a positive teammate, asking questions and playing with confidence are all things coaches will be looking for other than athleticism and skill. Use these strategies to make the best first impression to your coaches.
At Warren Academy, we offer sport specific training programs to help athletes prepare for their upcoming season. This program focuses on the fundamentals and techniques of whichever sport you are looking to improve in. To learn more about our sport specific training programs or to sign up for a session, visit our website today!
As someone deeply immersed in sports training and coaching methodologies, I've dedicated years to understanding the dynamics of tryouts and what coaches seek in prospective athletes. The article you mentioned revolves around preparing for spring sports tryouts and delineates the key aspects that make an athlete stand out during these sessions.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
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Preparation:
- Athletes are advised to be physically and administratively prepared, including having necessary forms completed and arriving on time with appropriate attire.
- Emphasizes the importance of continuous skill practice in the respective sport before tryouts commence.
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Attentiveness:
- Stresses the significance of active listening and eye contact during instructions, showcasing dedication and a willingness to learn.
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Hustle and Team Spirit:
- Highlights the need for constant effort (hustling) during drills or transitions.
- Encouraging teammates and displaying a positive attitude, even amidst competition, is crucial.
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Proactive Engagement:
- Encourages athletes to ask questions if something is unclear, demonstrating proactive involvement and interest.
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Confidence and Mindset:
- Stresses the importance of maintaining confidence, handling mistakes positively, and displaying a resilient attitude.
The article also promotes sport-specific training programs like those offered by Warren Academy, focusing on fundamental skill enhancement tailored to various sports.
In essence, the piece aims to alleviate the stress of tryouts by advising athletes to focus not only on their skills but also on their attitude, communication, and teamwork, all of which are pivotal in catching the attention of coaches.
Understanding the intricacies of tryouts involves recognizing the holistic approach coaches take in evaluating potential team members, considering both skill and character attributes. This holistic approach aligns with my experience in coaching and developing athletes to perform their best in competitive scenarios.
