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Here it is. The day you have been waiting ALL year for… The 1st day of high school basketball. The is no greater day in the school year for a passionate basketball player. The wait is finally over and the journey of the basketball season is underway.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Chinese proverb
Here are a few tryout tips for Day #1:
#1 Be Rested: Conditioning will be a big part of many high school basketball tryouts. 17s, defensive slides, up and backs, and I am not sure if this term can be used in all schools… suicides. To put yourself in the best position be rested for the 1st day of tryouts. As hard as it may be, try to get a good night’s sleep the night before the 1st tryout. Being rested will be the best way for you to show the coaching staff your skills.
#2 Be Ready: Speak with players who have been here before. Talk to the players older than you to have an understanding of how the tryouts will be structured. What are the specific drills? Do you understand how to execute the drills? Once you are mentally prepared for the drills, it might be a good idea to complete the drills in the days and weeks leading up to the tryouts.
#3 Be in GREAT shape: It does not take one ounce of talent to be in great shape. So do it! It would be a shame for a player to not make a team because of being out of shape. It is something that you cannot accomplish the week before the season. So have a plan to be in great shape on the 1st day of tryouts. It very well could be the deciding factor on whether or not you make the team.
#4 Know What the Coach Values: It is always beneficial to be on a coach’s radar BEFORE tryouts (attend camps, pre-season workouts, have a ball in your hands all the time). Many times youth players will attend high school games and basketball camps and clinics. Pay attention to what the coach values. Once you understand the values, do your best to be a player that exemplifies those values.
#5 Be Fundamental: At every level the fundamentals matter. Many players try to be flashy and make the amazing pass. Be fundamental. Make the easy, simple play. Don’t try to make the team with one play. Focus on the fundamentals in every aspect of the game. This will get you noticed.
#6 Do the Little Things That Other Players Won’t Do: This is a pretty extensive list.
- Talk on defense
- Point to a teammate that makes a good pass
- Get on the floor
- Take a change
- Be in a stance ALL THE TIME on defense
- Close out AND box out
- Be the 1st to help a teammate up
- Have great body language
- Listen with your eyes and ears
- Be early, stay late
- Make the extra pass
- Do not worry about scoring
- Have great shot selection
- Go 100%, 100% of the time
#7 Say “Thank You”: At the end of the tryout, make it a point to find EACH coach and say thank you. A little thank you can make a big difference.
#8 Reflect on Day #1: This is the 1st day in a 100+ day season. Reflect on your play. Identify what you did well and areas of improvement. Think about the feedback you received. If a player can come back and show improvement based on a coach’s feedback, that player is a desirable member of a team.
Good Luck!