Getting a coach’s attention during tryouts can be challenging, especially if you are new to the team or competing against more experienced players. Coaches are looking for players that demonstrate not just raw talent and athletic ability, but also certain intangibles like coachability, teamwork, effort, and attitude. Here are some tips to help get the coach’s attention and stand out during tryouts:
Be Prepared and Organized
Show up to tryouts on time, ready to play, with all the right equipment. Have your registration or paperwork completed ahead of time. Warm up properly and be mentally prepared. Coaches will notice athletes that look focused, energetic, and ready to compete.
Hustle and Play with Heart
Coaches want to see maximum effort, hustle, and determination. Run hard, chase down every ball, fight for possession, sprint to cover defensively. Leave it all on the field. Playing with passion, grit, and heart can set you apart. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake – bounce right back with determination.
Show Off Your Skills
While effort is important, you also want to demonstrate your skills and abilities. Focus on the fundamentals like footwork, dribbling, passing, shooting. Execute the drills properly. In scrimmages, look to make smart plays – move into space, make crisp passes, take high percentage shots. Your technical abilities will showcase your potential.
Listen and Learn
Coaches will be giving instruction, feedback, and direction throughout tryouts. Be attentive to the coaches and immediately apply what they say. Ask questions if you need clarification. Show the coach you can quickly process information and adjust accordingly. Adopting coaching will demonstrate you are coachable.
Communicate
Communication is hugely important during tryouts and games. Call for the ball when open. Talk to teammates about spacing, plays, defense. Verbalize encouragement and positive feedback. Let coaches know if you are hurt or need a sub. Be vocal, but not in a way that is arrogant or distracting.
Show Teamwork
No coach wants a selfish player focused on their own stats. Be a team player – make the extra pass to find the open man, congratulate teammates on good plays, pick them up if they make a mistake. Coaches will notice unselfish, team-first players who contribute in all aspects.
Have a Positive Attitude
Having the right mentality can impact performance and perception. Keep body language upbeat, avoid getting down on yourself or others. Refocus quickly after mistakes. Be determined, optimistic, and supportive. Coaches gravitate towards athletes with positive energy who boost team morale.
Play Multiple Positions
To provide more versatility, try playing multiple positions during tryouts if given the chance. Coaches like players who are willing and able to play different roles on the team where needed. Showcasing adaptability and well-rounded skills can impress.
Stand Out from the Crowd
Think about what makes you different from other players trying out. Do you bring speed, size, stamina, court vision, leadership? Identify your unique attributes and strengths. Look for opportunities to display those standout qualities so the coach takes notice.
Persist Through the Whole Tryout
Don’t let up as tryouts go on. Some players start strong but then tail off, get lazy, or lose focus. Maintain maximum effort, skills, communication, and positive body language from the first drill to the final scrimmage. Persisting through the full tryout sends a strong message.
Follow Up Afterwards
After tryouts, follow up with the coach via email expressing your interest in the team and asking what skills you need to improve to make the squad. Some players get cut simply because the coach doesn’t know who they are. Reiterate your desire to become part of the program.
Ask For Feedback
Don’t be afraid to approach the coach after tryouts and ask for honest feedback on your performance. What did you do well? What areas need improvement? Feedback shows you care about your performance and want to get better. The coach will appreciate your openness and initiative.
Conclusion
Standing out during tryouts is about demonstrating skills, effort, teamwork, coachability, and the right mentality. Bring energy and passion, communicate, play smart, and persist from start to finish. Display your unique abilities while also being a versatile team player. With preparation, maximum hustle, and the right attitude, you can get the coach’s attention and earn your spot on the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are coaches looking for at tryouts?
Coaches are evaluating many factors at tryouts beyond just raw athletic ability. They look for fundamentals, game sense, coachability, work ethic, teamwork, communication, leadership, speed, endurance, and mentality. Players need to demonstrate skills, effort, smarts, and the right team-first attitude.
What impresses coaches during tryouts?
Coaches are impressed by players who showcase preparation, maximum hustle, determination, skills execution, communication, persistence, coachability, and positive body language. Athletes who listen, apply coaching, work hard, and support teammates stand out.
How do you show a coach your skills?
In drills, focus on proper fundamentals and technique. Execute skills sharply and successfully like footwork patterns, passing accuracy, dribbling moves, shooting technique. In scrimmages, make smart plays by moving into open space, distributing the ball, taking high percentage shots. Overall, be technically sound while making winning plays.
What if you make a mistake during tryouts?
Mistakes are inevitable, but it’s important to respond properly. Hustle back into the play if beat defensively. Refocus quickly if you turn it over or miss a shot. Channel any frustration into more effort. Coaches want to see you bounce back from errors with determination, not pouting or poor body language.
Should you play every position at tryouts?
If possible, showcase versatility by playing multiple spots, like trying a new position if they swap you into a different drill or scrimmage. Being flexible and able to contribute wherever needed on the floor displays well-rounded abilities. But also make sure to demonstrate your specialized position skills.
How can you show leadership at tryouts?
Leadership can be shown by communicating effectively on the floor, providing encouragement, making smart plays at key moments, having a determined work ethic, and boosting team morale. Take initiative in a positive way and lead by example through your preparation, effort, and character.
What’s the best way to follow up after tryouts?
After tryouts, follow up by emailing the coach to reiterate your strong interest in the team. Ask what skills you need to work on to improve and contribute. Be positive while also seeking honest feedback. This shows the coach you care and are willing to work to develop your game.
Tips to Get Coaches Attention at Tryouts
| Tip | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive early and prepared | Shows focus and readiness to compete |
| Hustle and play with intensity | Displays work ethic, heart, determination |
| Execute skills and fundamentals | Showcases abilities and potential |
| Listen, learn, and apply coaching | Demonstrates coachability and adaptability |
| Communicate on the floor | Allows you to help teammates verbally |
| Be unselfish and make teammates better | Shows you are a team player |
| Rebound quickly from mistakes | Persistence and positive mentality |
| Play through fatigue and soreness | Displays conditioning, grit, and perseverance |
| Step up in big moments | Demonstrates you perform under pressure |
Conclusion
Getting noticed by coaches during the intense tryout process requires preparation, maximum effort, skill execution, communication, coaching adaptability, positive body language, teamwork, and the determination to persist from the opening drill to the final whistle. Coaches want athletes with sound fundamentals, court sense, hustle, conditioning, and a team-first mentality. Work hard, display your abilities, and embrace coaching while having the right mentality and supporting teammates. This complete approach both showcases your talent and demonstrates the intangibles coaches covet.
With focus, effort, skill, and the right attitude, you can stand out and catch the coach’s eye during tryouts. Remember to play smart, be coachable, communicate, lead when required, and bounce back from any mistakes. Leave it all on the court while listening to instruction and encouraging teammates. By consistently impacting the game in every phase, you can prove you are ready to take the next step and contribute to the team’s success.