For tryouts it is important to have a great mental approach. You determine what type of player the coaches see. Remember it is everything other than offensive scoring that will help you make the team.
- Relax: It is just basketball. Basketball is very important, but remember it is not life and death. Just go out and play the best basketball you can. Play within yourself. Don’t try to do too much. KISS keep it simple stupid.
- Be early: Get to a side hoop and do Mikans and form shoot if you can. This will show coaches you know fundamentals and will be a great warmup.
- Be up front when coach is talking: Listen with you eyes and ears.
- Be first or last in drills: When you do drills if you know it, be in the front. If it is a new drill, be towards the back to see how the drill is done correctly.
- Want it: Give it all you got. You have worked hard for this. If you are fighting for a loose ball fight for your life. That player is trying to take your spot. Get on the floor.
- Sprint all the time: Don’t stop sprinting on offense, defense, when the coach call everyone in.
- Great Shot Selection: Scoring is not critical. Good overall fundamentals are. Get to your baseline front and reverse.
- Box Out and Rebound: Coaches love players who box out and rebound.
- GREAT body language no matter what, have great body language.
- Next play: Always play in the present. Do not worry about the previous play. Play in the present.
- Talk on defense. Be the most talkative player. This will separate you from others. The majority of players are mutes on defense.
- Move without the ball. Set screens on offense OFF THE BALL. Raise your hand with a fist and say “use me use me.” Another thing no one else will do.
- Thank coach at the end of each practice. Not all players will do this. Little things are the big things.