With select tryouts in full swing, it’s crucial to understand how you can get the most out of these events. Once you’ve honed in on the organizations you want to be a part of, developing a plan for your tryout can help you leave the right impression. Before you head off to your next tryout date, consider the following ways you can properly prepare.
Follow Registration Instructions
If the organization you’re trying out for offers pre-registration through email or Google forms, plan on completing that as soon as you know you will be in attendance. Not only does this help the organization prepare for tryouts by having as many hands on deck as possible, but coaches do pay attention to who is coming and where they’re coming from. This is especially true if you have played a team in the organization. This enables the coaches to recall game details, discuss with each other the positives seen and begin contemplating how your athlete could potentially fit into the team for the upcoming season.
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Going into a tryout, it’s important for your player to identify their strengths and biggest opportunities as an athlete. This allows them to ensure they can show off the areas of their game that are the most developed while also preparing them for some of the gaps other coaches may see. For instance, if your athlete is an excellent fielder with a strong arm but is still working on gaining range, they can shine during most of the fielding drills while letting the prospective team know they are working on speed and agility training or with a fielding instructor to improve their skills.
This allows your player to show potential coaches that not only are they hard-working, but they have the maturity to see where they can improve and are taking adequate steps to achieve that. While talent is a critical aspect of tryout season, your athlete’s attitude, game IQ and approach to challenging situations are equally important and won’t go unnoticed.
Write Down Any Possible Questions
Tryouts can be a stressful time of the season – regardless of how well you do in them. Don’t let your child get swept up in the anticipation and adrenaline that you forget to ask essential questions before leaving. Whether you’re curious about a projected schedule or simply want to know what type of recruiting assistance is offered, jot down a list of questions that you or your athlete have prior to tryouts and make sure you remember to ask any of these if they’re not already addressed during the event. This can provide insight for you and will help you weigh options if your player receives multiple offers.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out
Whether there’s a conflict with a day or simply a question about what you need to bring for tryouts, don’t be afraid to reach out and inquire. While coaches want to have as many athletes present during a tryout to observe how the team interacts, they will likely offer you an alternate day to work out if your child is serious about wanting to play with the team. Organizations understand how hectic this time of the year can be, so communication between all interested parties is strongly encouraged!
This is part one of our series detailing the best ways to help your athlete prepare for the upcoming select softball and baseball tryout season. If you’re looking for additional ways to help your child physically hone their craft, schedule a fielding, catching, pitching or hitting lesson with one of our instructors in Dayton to Elevate their game! You can contact us by calling (937) 848-1990 or emailing elevatesportsdayton@gmail.com.
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