Whether it’s your child’s first time or they’ve been through this process before, trying out for a sports team can be a nerve-wracking experience. Beyond showcasing athletic skills, certain behaviors and attitudes can significantly influence how your child will be evaluated.
Recently, I’ve shared the following 7 tips with my girls as they each have gone into various tryouts. It’s been a great encouragement to them to remember that it’s not just about their skills but about so much more.
Here are 7 tips for helping your young athlete stand out and make a great impression, no matter the sport.
1. Stay Focused
It’s easy to get distracted by friends or the excitement of the tryout environment, but staying focused is crucial. Coaches and evaluators are watching to see who is dedicated and attentive. When coaches are speaking, give them your full attention. Avoid chatting with friends or getting sidetracked. This level of focus shows commitment and respect, qualities that are highly valued in any sport.
2. Shake Off Mistakes and Stay Positive
Everyone feels nervous, and everyone makes mistakes. What sets athletes apart is their ability to recover from errors with a positive attitude. If your child makes a mistake, encourage them to stay upbeat and keep trying. They should aim to maintain high energy and not dwell on their mistakes. Demonstrating resilience and a positive mindset helps show that they can handle the ups and downs of competitive play and contribute positively to the team dynamic.
3. Volunteer and Be Coachable
Being proactive can make a big difference. If a coach asks for a volunteer to demonstrate a skill or participate in a drill, stepping up shows enthusiasm and confidence. If your child makes a mistake, asking for feedback and working to improve shows a willingness to learn and grow. Coaches appreciate athletes who are engaged, eager to learn, and willing to try to refine their skills.
4. Be Vocal and Supportive
Being loud doesn’t mean being disruptive, but it does mean being vocal and supportive. Encourage your child to call for the ball, cheer on teammates, and offer words of encouragement. Simple acts like high-fiving teammates and saying “it’s okay” when someone makes a mistake help create a positive and supportive atmosphere. Coaches look for players who will foster good team dynamics and contribute to a positive team environment.
5. Hustle and Give It Their All
Effort is key. Encourage your child to always give their best effort, whether they’re diving for a ball, hustling to gather equipment, or quickly returning to the huddle. Coaches observe how much energy and determination players bring to every aspect of the tryout. Showcasing a strong work ethic and not leaving anything on the field or court can set an athlete apart.
6. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Result
While results are important, coaches often prefer players who have strong basics and are consistent, even if they make a few errors, over those who might be inconsistent but have flashy moves. Encourage your child to focus on executing their skills correctly and consistently, even under pressure.
7. Have Fun!
Finally, remind your child to enjoy the experience. Being on the court or field with peers and doing something they love should be a source of joy. Having fun, supporting teammates, and showing enthusiasm will naturally shine through and make a positive impression. When athletes enjoy what they’re doing, it often translates into better performance and a more engaging presence.
By keeping these tips in mind, your young athlete can navigate tryouts with confidence and poise.
Remember, it’s not just about showing what they can do physically but also about demonstrating their attitude, work ethic, and ability to contribute to the team. With focus, positivity, effort, and a sense of fun, they’ll be sure to make a memorable impression.
A Special shout-out to Coach Kyle, a local (to me) volleyball coach who shared a version of these tips with me.
