How to Prepare for Rep Tryouts

Signing up for basketball tryouts can be a difficult experience. Even if you have faith in your basketball skills, the prospect of going up against other talented players in order to earn a spot on a competitive league can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to ready yourself for tryouts, and help ensure that you show your best game for the coaches.

  1. Focus on Being Fit: A great coach will be looking for a variety of skills in players, but they will all have to be physically fit. running and demonstrating immense stamina throughout the game is mandatory. You can increase your fitness level with the right preparation.

  2. Get Rid of Your Nerves: Although players may feel anxious trying out for a representative team, staying calm can enhance their performance during the trial process. Coaches are accustomed to seeing nervous players, so this is not something they will penalize you for; however, nerves can prevent you from displaying your peak abilities. *It is also important to remember* not to dwell on missed shots or react to them. A coach looks for someone who can remain composed after a miss - even an easy basket - and rebound with intense effort.

  3. Have a Good Attitude While coaches are looking for players with excellent skills, attitude is also a major factor in their decision. Showing that you will be a positive voice on the court with a terrific attitude and good sportsmanship can help a coach want you on their team, even if your skills may not be as good as another player's.

  4. Be a Good Listener: While coaches are looking for players with excellent skills, attitude is also a major factor in their decision. Showing that you will be a positive voice on the court with a terrific attitude and good sportsmanship can help a coach want you on their team, even if your skills may not be as good as another player's.

  5. Hustle Hard: While coaches are certainly seeking players with great skills, Working hard and hustling every chance you get, whether on the court or off, demonstrates to the coach that you are eager to win. During tryouts, make a point of trying to win every sprint, pass, play, and shot. This will illustrate to coaches that you aren’t afraid of working hard to reach a goal, and can persevere through the pain it might take to get there. Consequently, someone with less talent but enormous hustle always catches the eye of coaches!

  6. Take Initiative: Taking initiative by being first during drills can demonstrate to your potential coaches that you have leadership qualities. Even if you are introverted and not commonly drawn to be in the spotlight, by doing so during tryouts, you can catch the coach's eye.