Making the Team

Four tips to help you standout and make your high school team

With the first day of school right around the corner, not only is it time to get back to homework, test, and waking up early, it’s also the time of year for your high school team tryouts.

To some athletes this might be the most stressful part of the year. There’s nothing more nerve wrecking then trying to showcase your skills to a group of coaches and prove to them you would be an asset to their team.

Here are some tips for helping you make the team:

Nix the Nerves

Nervous much? Totally normal! Almost everyone gets nervous at try out time, even if you’re a returning player. To help with these nerves, create a routine that’ll keep you both prepared and relaxed. If that means listening to music, or reading  or just sitting somewhere quiet with no distractions, DO IT!!!

Separating yourself and mentally preparing yourself before a tryout can not only help you clear your mind but you can also use this time to visualize your tryout and what you want to do.  Imagine yourself running through your routes, making a great pass, or making every lay-up. Prepare your mindset to succeed!

Don’t worry too much about being cut, that’ll just distract you. Relax, have fun, and try your best. Make your tryout enjoyable.

Get in Shape

Hopefully you took the summer as an opportunity to get ahead and train on your own or with teammates. Every athlete knows the more reps you get in the better. During the summer sometimes there is “open gyms” or meetings leading up to tryouts. Make sure you’re attending as many of these opportunities as possible. It shows coaches you’re dedicated and want to be part of the team.

Now going into tryouts you want to make sure you’re physically fit to compete and well rested. Make sure the day before tryouts you get at least eight hours of sleep, eat a high energy meal, and drink lots of fluids so you don’t dehydrate.

Make sure you’re stretching and you inform the coaches of any injuries or medical conditions you have that could affect your tryout.

Get Noticed

Tryouts are not just about the amazing athletic skills you possess. Coaches are looking for well-rounded players. These characteristics include: leadership, focus, intensity, supporting teammates, and paying attention to instructions.

If a coach asks for a volunteer to demonstrate a drill or pick up equipment after practice, raise your hand! You want to grab this coach’s attention and show them you’re willing to go the extra mile.

Another item that might help you stand out is to wear a “pop of color.” For example a bright colored headband, t-shirt or shorts. This by no means is a deciding factor but it does get noticed.

For example as a coach I have been at numerous tryouts and we obviously don’t know every player’s name so there is times we will refer to a player by what their wearing when speaking amongst coaches. Remember it’s sometimes the smallest detail that gets you noticed, not just the skills you possess. Everyone there will have skills, think what can I do to set me apart?

Stay Cool and Show What You Got

If you’ve got game, don’t be afraid to show it!!!

Of course that doesn’t mean you have the right to be a ball hog or a “showoff.”  At tryouts you are competing for a spot on the team, not to be the team. So remember to be a team player and influence the athletes around you in a positive way.

There is nothing wrong with you tackling a player hard to the ground or finishing first in every sprint. After all you are trying to prove you would be an asset to the team, but be a good sport about it and always have a positive and encouraging attitude towards your teammates.

Remember if you make a mistake, take a deep breath, shake it off, and listen for feedback. Show coaches that you are coachable and well-rounded.

I hope these four tips help you on your upcoming tryouts and I wish you the best of luck!

Coach Sonya