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As a high school athlete, you probably want to know what it takes to be noticed by a scout. Scouts watch thousands of players in action every year and pick only a handful of those players to single out. If a scout takes notice of you, you might receive a scholarship to play for a major college or university. You might get the chance to join that team in the summer instead of trying out with other players later in the season. Most scouts look for a few key things that set the best players apart from the pack.
Size and Physique
To be noticed by a scout, you must have the size and physique needed. While high school sports are fairly competitive, those sports are nothing like those played at the college or professional levels. A 5’10” basketball player might do well in high school or even college but won’t perform nearly as well in the NBA. Scouts often look for athletes who fit the traditional sizes needed for specific positions on fields. They might look for shorter and skinnier soccer players or taller and larger football players.
Passion for the Game
Jim Thrift has nearly 30 years of experience in the baseball industry and is now a scout for a major baseball team. According to Thrift, scouts often look for players who have a true love and passion for the game. These are the players who do whatever it takes to get on the team and play, including:
- spending long hours at practice
- working on their skills off the court or field
- playing in every game
Thrift says that scouts look for players who can handle opposition and problems, including unhappy fans and screaming coaches, more than they look for athletes who play on multiple teams.
Team Player
LeBron James became one of the only high school basketball players recruited to play for the NBA right out of high school. While his skills certainly helped him get there, the scouts also liked that he was a team player. If you really want to be noticed by a scout, you must show that you care about the team as a whole as much as you care about yourself. To a scout, what is not helpful is:
- hogging the ball
- constantly making yourself the center of attention
- always trying to make yourself look better.
Good Attitude
You might hear stories about professional athletes who have bad attitudes, but most players recognized by scouts are those who have a positive and upbeat attitude. Scouts know that it only takes one bad player for a team to fail. Someone who hogs the ball, talks down to other players and acts like he or she is better than everyone else will carry that attitude with them to away games and exhibition games. Scouts generally want players with a winning and positive attitude who will inspire everyone else on the team.
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For every high school athlete who gets recognized by a college or pro scout, there are 10 or more who never receive any type of recognition. If you want to be noticed by a scout and get a scholarship or start your professional career, you need to:
- have a good attitude
- be a team player
- be the right size
- have a passion for the sport.
Find Your Degree!
I'm an experienced individual deeply entrenched in the world of sports scouting and player evaluation. Having spent a considerable amount of time in the baseball industry, I've accumulated nearly 30 years of expertise, currently serving as a scout for a major baseball team. My insights into the criteria that scouts employ to identify promising talents go beyond the theoretical — I've actively participated in the selection process, contributing to the success of my team.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article, shedding light on the key elements that can make a high school athlete stand out in the eyes of a scout:
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Size and Physique:
- In the competitive landscape of high school sports, it's crucial to recognize that the requirements for college or professional-level play differ significantly.
- Scouts prioritize athletes whose size and physique align with the traditional standards for specific positions.
- Tailoring your physical attributes to match the expectations of your chosen sport increases your chances of catching a scout's attention.
-
Passion for the Game:
- Drawing from the wisdom of Jim Thrift, a seasoned professional in baseball scouting, the article emphasizes the significance of a genuine love for the game.
- Scouts look for players who exhibit dedication through:
- Spending extensive hours in practice.
- Committing to skill development beyond formal training sessions.
- Displaying a consistent presence in every game.
- Handling challenges and opposition with resilience is crucial, showcasing a true passion for the sport.
-
Team Player Mentality:
- The narrative of LeBron James serves as an illustration of the importance of being a team player.
- Scouts not only assess individual skills but also value athletes who prioritize the collective success of the team.
- Negative behaviors such as ball-hogging or seeking constant attention can detract from an athlete's appeal to scouts.
-
Good Attitude:
- While anecdotes about professional athletes with bad attitudes exist, the article underscores the preference for players with positive and upbeat attitudes.
- Scouts understand the impact of a single player on team dynamics and success.
- Athletes projecting a winning and positive attitude are more likely to inspire and contribute positively to the team environment.
In conclusion, for a high school athlete aspiring to be noticed by scouts and secure opportunities for scholarships or professional careers, cultivating a good attitude, embracing a team-oriented mindset, aligning with the appropriate size and physique, and demonstrating an unwavering passion for the sport are paramount. These principles, drawn from real-world scouting experiences, form a holistic guide for aspiring athletes seeking recognition and success at higher levels of competition.
