Planning for successful basketball tryouts begins with preparing months in advance through skill development and strength training. But it’s essential to know that five specific tips can help ALL players regardless of their level or talent! These secret weapons might be what you need when facing off against other talented prospects this season.
With tryouts coming up, time is running out to prepare before the season starts.
1: HUSTLE!
You know you have to hustle, but what are some of the best strategies?
Never let the ball beat you down the court on defense. Great players sprint everywhere and stay low. No standing up on defense!
If the ball is on the ground, you are on the ground fighting for it like you need that ball to save the world 🙂
Boxing out on offense and defense after every shot. Tag your man and box out. Fight for every rebound!
Be loud while playing – communicate with teammates both vocally and or using hand signals.
Winning or trying to win every sprint. This is the only way a coach can tell if you’re really committed to being on their team. Whether it’s pain or discomfort, they know how much effort goes into trying hard and winning these races.
2: Talk To The Coaches
Too many players are too shy to talk with the coaches before basketball tryouts. But this can make a huge difference in your chance of making the team! You might be surprised at how receptive they will be when you ask them what kind of player they are looking for and then promise that you will be that kind of player if given the opportunity.
After practice, thank the coaches for the opportunity to try out and tell them how much you want to make their team. Don’t make excuses for mistakes you made during practice; you do not want to bring those to mind, and they might not have seen it. Say goodbye with a smile.
3: Attitude
The best basketball players are the ones who can make other teammates feel better. A great example of this would be a player that encourages his teammates during bad games or after a mistake because he knows how important it is for them to have someone on their side!
It’s important to remain upbeat and encourage your teammates positively. Encouragement can have an infectious effect, so the whole team feels like they’re partaking in something bigger than themselves, which helps bring out everyone’s best effort!
Helping others get better does not mean you will give up your spot for someone else’s. Displaying good sportsmanship on and off-court shows the coach, team members, and other teammates how you approach games with a positive culture in mind–it helps everyone work together towards success!
4: Do You
When you try out for the team, it’s about impressing your coach and earning a spot. Your performance doesn’t have just one measure of success; showing what you can do will be judged on how well it meets their needs!
Showcase what you do well, and don’t worry about mistakes you will make. Just move on and make up for it.
If you are a shooter, then shoot. If you are a great playmaker, pass the ball, and a great defender, then lock down the best player on the court. Coaches are looking for people to play their roles on a team, and not everyone can do each part, so do yours well.
5: Listen
When you are a coach, there is nothing more frustrating than giving instructions on the drill or game, and one of your players doesn’t listen. He proceeds to mess up everything for everyone on their team by not paying attention when they need it most!
This is a straightforward thing that will go a long way. Ask if you need help understanding what was said or how to do it correctly. Paying attention by asking questions shows the coach your attempts at doing things correctly.
