5 Keys to Crushing Tryouts
Going into tryouts can be a stressful and hectic time for most families. It can be just as nerve-wracking for the parents as it is for the kids. We NEVER want to see our children fail or not make the team that they want to make. There are a few tips that we give to all players to really focus on when going through a week of tryouts for a new team or even trying to make the same team. While CONFIDENCE is important, it can fluctuate throughout a tryout. The best thing about these tips is that they are all controllable. These tips can serve as a guideline to stand out more than anyone else that is on the field with you.
Be FIRST - If the coach asks everyone to come in to speak to all players, to divide them into different groups, or just to have a chat before the session begins, be the first one there. This shows that you are READY, APT, and WILLING to LISTEN. It's a huge component and big-time plus for a coach to have in any player they work with, even on a professional level.
Be ADAPTABLE - If there is a position change for you in the midst of the tryout session or you are stepping into a new position that you have never played before, remember that the more adaptable you are, the more opportunity there is to gain a spot on the team. Don’t go into the “new” position with the expectation that you won’t do well and not perform because you have never played it before. Go into the position knowing that you will still be able to produce your qualities and show them what you are about as a player.
Be POSITIVE - Positivity is everything within the game of soccer and any sport we play. Although it is said that all of us humans think 80% negative thoughts throughout the day, remind yourself to break that cycle in a tryout. Be positive with yourself in every play, even if it's a bad one, and, more importantly, be POSITIVE with everyone else that is around you. Even in the worst of moments in training sessions, POSITIVITY is clutch and shows great value within leadership skills as well.
Be CREATIVE - Take RISKS - We always tell young players that you NEVER need to blend in. Don’t ever “blend in"— meaning to show your creativity. Show your talent! Show them a reason that separates and differentiates you from everyone else. This means that in moments within the tryout session, it’s totally fine to be selfish, make moves, think outside the box, be CREATIVE, and take RISKS!
Last but not least, be THE HARDEST WORKER - When all else fails and your talent isn’t showing throughout the training session or tryout, just remember that being the hardest-working player will always shine through. Hard work pays off. Hard work is showing how badly you want something, how obsessed you are with learning, and how willing you are to fight for your spot. Hard work within team environments, whether you become a starting player or not, becomes contagious and creates such a growth mindset for the entire team. Hard work does pay off and should be something that every kid lives by when going into every TRYOUT.
Reminding yourself of these five tips one last time before stepping out of your car and walking onto the field can help create that CONFIDENT mindset that you will crush the day! Remember that coaches not only look for talent; they also look for great players who possess these traits as well. Good luck and go crush tryouts!
