Five ways to get noticed by coaches at tryouts this season

No matter what sport you play, or what level you play at, tryouts are always an exciting yet stressful time for athletes. And if you're an athlete that is trying to make the roster of one of the more competitive teams in your area, there's a good chance roster spots are tight while players showing up to tryout, are plentiful.

It may seem like there are a lot of things out of the control of your control as the athlete going through the tryout, but there are a number of elements that you can control, and should take full advantage of.

You won't be able to control how many other players show up, how the player placement will be determined when roasters are created, or how skilled the athletes you’re competing against will be.

So instead of focusing on what you can't change, put extra attention on all of the ways you can show up to tryouts, that are fully in your control.

Here are five ways to get the attention of the head coach that some of the best players will exhibit, regardless of their skill level:

1. Show Up Early and Prepared
"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail" is a known cliche because it's true, even when it comes to competing for a roster spot in youth athletics. Showing up early allows the players and their family to get signed in, and prepare adequately for the session. Not only does it exhibit motivation to a coach, but it's also mentally relaxing for the player going through the tryout to not feel rushed and out of sorts when they hit the ice, field, or court.

2. Stay Focused and Positive
There are often a lot of things happening at these tryouts, from a large number of players participating, to parents and coaches watching. Staying focused on the coach as they speak and giving them direct eye contact, shaking it off quickly when you mess up during a drill, or encouraging other athletes fighting for roster spots are some great examples of how to demonstrate focus and positive attitudes.

3. Be Coachable
The best players on any team are open and accepting of feedback from their coaches. No coach wants to have players on the bench that talk back, think they know better, or aren't open to hearing information that can benefit them. Coaches will notice the adjustments you make that they gave to you, and there's no better place to let them know you're coachable than during tryouts.

4. Be Yourself
Roster spots aren't only meant to be filled by the players that can score the most goals, or make the biggest saves. Rosters are made of a number of different roles, and the most beneficial thing you can be is yourself. Don't try to be a player you're not, and instead keep working at being the best at what you're best at.

5. Have Fun
Not only should the athletes have fun because that's what playing sports is all about, but it shows the mental toughness an athlete has when they are able to have fun in an otherwise high-pressure situation. Mentally tough athletes are able to stay out of their own heads, and perform at their best in stressful moment- from tryouts to championship games!



Be sure to share this with your club teammates, parents and coaches so they can spread the best ways to approach tryouts for the most enjoyable and productive sessions for everyone involved.

Follow Coach Kristin Tullo on Instagram for more daily tips on building mental and physical strength, to become the best athlete and leader you can be!