Every player wants to stand out during tryouts. You want to get noticed, impress the coach, and make the team. Not everyone can be a star, but everyone can impress the coach. Here are 11 habits that can make a big impression:
1. BE TECH FREE
Before entering the gym, put your phone and headphones away. Your coach doesn’t care how many likes you receive or if you’re rocking the latest headphones. Your coach wants to see who is focused and ready to compete the moment they step into the gym. Impress your coach by committing to being technology free during tryouts and don’t look at your phone or put on your headphones until you’re out of the gym—after tryouts.
2. INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Impress your coach by taking initiative. Walk over to the coach and introduce yourself. Give them a firm handshake with great eye contact and smile. Ask them about their day and the program. Try to form a quick bond with coach before you step onto the floor. Then ask if you can grab a basketball and start your pre-practice warm up.
3. BREAK A SWEAT
Arrive early and be intentional about your pre-practice warm up. Start with a few ball handling drills then move into a predetermined shooting workout that starts with shots next to the basket and moves back. Skip the dunks and the reverse layups. Impress your coach by showing that you understand that great players practice game shots from game spots at game speeds. Show them you care by how you prepare.
4. GREET OTHERS
Be one of the first players in the gym, then greet others with smiles and high fives. Be the teammate that everyone wants to play with. If you don’t know someone’s name, get it. Now you can use names during tryouts. Impress your coach with your body language, energy, and communication skills.
5. BE THE FIRST
Hustle. Be the first to huddle up. The first to start the drill. The first to help a teammate. The first to give a high five. The list can go on and on. Impress your coach with your hustle by striving to be the first.
6. THANK THE PASSER
Even if you missed the shot, thank the passer. This shows the coach that you are not solely worried about your play but that you are a team player. It demonstrates communication skills and relaxes your teammates, making them want to play with you more. Impress your coach with an understanding of “we over me” by thanking the passer.
7. COMPETE WITH A SMILE
Be the player no one wants to play against but everyone wants to play with. It’s okay and expected that you compete in every drill and every play, but don’t alienate your teammates to make an impression. You want your competitive nature to elevate practice and make your teammates better—not make them angry with you. Impress your coach by enhancing the practice environment.
8. ANIMATE AFTER MISTAKES
It’s impossible to go through tryouts without making mistakes—especially if you’re committed to competing and doing your absolute best. Coaches know this. Coaches notice how you respond to mistakes. They’re looking for players whose gut reaction is to sprint back on defense and make a play if it’s turned over. Impress your coaches by letting mistakes motivate you, not defeat you.
9. DO YOU
Winning teams aren’t filled with superstars. They’re filled with players that know their role and star in it. Go into tryouts knowing your strengths and then commit to showing them off. If you’re a great on-ball defender, step up and volunteer to guard the best ball handler. Impress your coach by doing something so well they can’t afford to cut you.
10. THANK THE COACHES
When the day is done, make sure you find and thank the coaches for their time. Give them another handshake and demonstrate great eye contact and body language. Impress your coaches by acknowledging them and the work they’ve put in.
11. BE THE LAST TO LEAVE
When you thank the coaches, ask if there is anything that needs to be put away or cleaned up. Then, if a basket is available, don’t leave the gym until you’ve made ten free throws in a row. It doesn’t have to be ten, but pick a number you feel good about getting without spending an extra forty five minutes in the gym. If no basket is available, do line shots, wall shots, or a simple ball handling workout. Impress your coaches by being the last to leave.
These 11 habits won’t guarantee you’ll make the team. The work you put in during the off season will be a large factor. But these 11 habits can help make a lasting impression on your coaches that could mean the difference between making the team and getting cut.
This fall, join us at a two day Shooting College camp to discover how to become a deadly accurate shooter while developing the mental toughness, habits and focus necessary for greatness, both on the court and in life.
I'm an experienced sports enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of athletic performance and the dynamics of team sports, particularly basketball. My knowledge stems from years of active involvement in basketball coaching, playing, and closely following the sport at various levels, including school, amateur leagues, and professional games.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article about standing out during tryouts, let's break down each habit and its underlying principles:
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Be Tech-Free: Emphasizes the importance of focus and commitment during tryouts. Removing distractions like phones and headphones demonstrates dedication and readiness to compete without external diversions.
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Introduce Yourself: Taking initiative by introducing yourself to the coach showcases confidence, proactive behavior, and a genuine interest in the team and its leadership.
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Break a Sweat: Arriving early, engaging in a purposeful warm-up routine, and focusing on game-specific drills highlight dedication, preparedness, and understanding the importance of practice.
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Greet Others: Building camaraderie and positive energy within the team by being friendly, approachable, and showing enthusiasm contributes to a cohesive and supportive team environment.
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Be the First: Demonstrating hustle and eagerness to participate actively, lead, and support teammates sets a proactive and enthusiastic tone for the tryouts.
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Thank the Passer: Emphasizes teamwork, communication, and gratitude, highlighting a player's understanding of the collective effort involved in successful gameplay.
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Compete with a Smile: Balancing competitiveness with good sportsmanship and teamwork, fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere during competitive situations.
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Animate After Mistakes: Showing resilience, quick recovery, and a positive attitude after mistakes, displaying the determination to learn and improve.
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Know Your Role: Understanding individual strengths and actively contributing within that capacity, showcasing a willingness to fulfill team needs.
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Thank the Coaches: Displaying gratitude and respect towards coaching staff for their guidance and investment in players' development.
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Be the Last to Leave: Demonstrating commitment, dedication, and a strong work ethic by going above and beyond, showing a relentless pursuit of improvement.
These habits collectively emphasize the values of teamwork, dedication, adaptability, communication, and continuous improvement—key elements not only in basketball but also in life. They showcase an individual's character, work ethic, and understanding of the team dynamics, which are crucial aspects evaluated during tryouts.
