Tryout season for basketball is upon us. Be sure to check out my Top 8 Tips to Impress Your Basketball Coach Post from last fall to help your young player prepare for their tryouts.
Here is a list of tryout items that your coach may be thinking about during tryouts that can help players be more prepared.
Good Coaches will use a combination of drills and games.
As a coach I want to know who can follow directions, learn a new skill, and execute the fundamentals of the game. Coaches can learn these things by putting the players at a tryout through drills.
I also want to know who can play. Some kids look great in drills, but their skills don’t translate to game situations or they have a low basketball IQ.
Players should be prepared to play their best in both drills and game settings as they prepare for your tryouts.
Good Coaches will pay attention to the intangibles of each player.
Effort, hustle, and communication will always get noticed! Coaches want players with great intangibles on their team. Bringing these three things to the tryout will increase the odds a player will make the team.
Good Coaches know that culture is the key to success.
A team’s culture starts with the head coach and permeates the entire team down to the last player on the bench. Coaches realize that it’s the end of the bench players that often determine whether the season is fun and successful. I have coached teams in the past where the majority of the coaching staff’s energy was wasted dealing with problems from players that rarely played and were not willing to embrace their role. When players 9-12 on a team buy into the culture the season is waaaay more fun. Demonstrate (through your play & your intangibles – see above) that you are the type of player that will help your coach build a great culture. If you can help your coach build a winning culture he or she will want to keep you around.
Good Coaches know that coachable talent that cares more about the “WE” than the “ME” is what breeds success.
Your young player won’t make the team on intangibles alone, they obviously need to have some talent too. Make sure to put the team first. At tryouts, players should play their game, and not feel the need to shoot every time they touch the ball in order to impress the coach. A good coach can tell pretty quickly who the “basketball players” are compared to those that are just “playing basketball.” Make an impression by encouraging teammates, acknowledging great plays, and being vocal. Combine that with talent and your young player will be well on their way to making their team.
Good coaches watch offense and defense.
Don’t neglect the defensive end of the floor. Good coaches certainly won’t. Most players at tryouts will be focused on their shooting and scoring. By going against the grain and giving tremendous effort on defense your young player will stand out from the crowd.
Be ready to play hard, play smart, and play together at tryouts.
Here’s another great resource to help you make your team from Quinn McDowell of Arete Hoops
10 Tips for Your Basketball Tryout
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I'm an experienced basketball coach and enthusiast, having dedicated a significant portion of my life to the sport. My extensive background includes coaching various levels of players, from beginners to advanced, and I've witnessed numerous tryout seasons unfold. I've developed a keen understanding of the key elements that make a player stand out during tryouts and contribute positively to a team's success.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Top 8 Tips to Impress Your Basketball Coach:
- This likely includes advice on skill development, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. It's crucial for young players to absorb and apply these tips to enhance their performance during tryouts.
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Drills and Games Combination:
- The article emphasizes that good coaches use a mix of drills and games during tryouts. Players must showcase their ability to follow instructions, learn new skills, and execute fundamental aspects of the game in both controlled drill environments and dynamic game settings.
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Translating Skills to Game Situations:
- The article highlights the importance of players demonstrating that their skills in drills translate effectively to actual game situations. Coaches seek players who can perform well under the pressure and dynamics of a real basketball game.
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Intangibles (Effort, Hustle, Communication):
- Coaches pay attention to qualities that may not be immediately measurable, such as a player's effort, hustle, and communication. Players are advised to bring these intangibles to the tryout, as they greatly influence a coach's perception of their value to the team.
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Team Culture:
- The article stresses that team culture is key to success, and it often starts with the head coach. Players are encouraged to embrace their roles, contribute positively to the team dynamic, and buy into the coach's vision for a successful season.
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Coachable Talent and Team-first Mentality:
- Beyond individual skills, coaches look for players who are coachable, prioritize the team over individual success, and exhibit a selfless "WE" mentality. Encouraging teammates, acknowledging good plays, and being vocal positively contribute to a player's image.
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Balanced Focus on Offense and Defense:
- The article advises players not to neglect the defensive aspect of their game during tryouts. Coaches appreciate players who show tremendous effort on both ends of the floor, standing out from those primarily focused on scoring.
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Playing Hard, Smart, and Together:
- Players are reminded to approach tryouts with a mindset to play hard, make smart decisions, and collaborate effectively with teammates. These qualities contribute to a well-rounded player and enhance their chances of making the team.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for young basketball players to navigate tryouts successfully, emphasizing a holistic approach that combines skills, intangibles, and a team-first mentality. Following these tips can significantly increase the likelihood of making the team and contributing to a positive team culture.
