Tryouts for football can be a nerve-wracking experience for players of all age groups. A competitive program like a football tryout can introduce your youth athlete to a situation where they don’t make the team unless they perform.
With so many new players competing to get the coach’s attention, a player needs to be in the best mental and physical shape to make an impression. Even if a player has prepared for this day for weeks, there are multiple factors that they need to keep in mind.
Here are a few football tryout tips that will help young boys and girls stand out no matter what their skill level is.
What Coaches Are Looking for at Football Tryouts?
Before going into the tips, let us understand what the coaches are expecting from the youth football players during a tryout schedule.
Coaches observe various things during a competitive football tryout. These include basic skills like ball control, taking a shot, passing, and dribbling. The conditioning and agility of the player are also important.
Beyond that, the coaches are also looking for players who can impact the game in a positive manner. Players with good situational awareness, confidence, and proactive movement are more likely to attract attention.
Quite simply, coaches are looking for abilities that will add value to any competitive team.
Note, any coach in a football academy knows that even the top players will make mistakes. It is the positive attitude of the player and what they do to make up for the mistake that matters.
Top Tips to Perform Well During Tryouts for Football
Tip 1: Working Hard
Even if a player has been practicing football for years, they should never get complacent. After a tryout registration, it is always important to work hard during the training sessions. The objective is to try to enhance their skills to the next level.
During the weeks leading to the tryout dates, players should put extra focus on basic techniques like ball control. shooting abilities, footwork, and balance. Also, players need to remain in shape and focus on fitness.
It is also necessary to warm up before each session to prepare the body and reduce the chances of getting injured. At the same time nutrition, sleep, and recovery are also important in this period.
As a coach, you can encourage players to visualize themselves performing at the best levels during the tryout. Creating positive mental imagery can boost motor skills and improve performance. In addition, it can also improve concentration and reduce feelings of anxiousness.
Tip 2: Arriving Prepared
It is important to arrive early for an open tryout and spend some time getting acquainted with the coaching staff and the other players. The players should pack their football cleats, socks, and shin guards. Those in the goalkeeper position should bring their gloves.
Even if the equipment is not available before the session begins, players can spend some time warming up. This will highlight the player’s dedication to the game.
Players should be prepared to be vocal and congratulate their teammates whenever necessary. Besides, being vocal and engaging in positive communication is also a sign of emerging leadership skills.
Quite often, being proactive, aggressive, and loud may not be something that comes normally to a player. Even so, they need to step outside their comfort zones.
Remember, the more active the player is, the higher the chance of being noticed.
Tip 3: Showcase Strengths
No player will have all the skills necessary to shine in a match. That requires time and lots of practice. But in reality, coaches are not looking for all-inclusive skills during high school tryouts for football.
It is important for players to choose their strengths and showcase them during team tryouts depending on their positions. For example, if a player is a better dribbler than a shooter, it is important for them to focus on dribbling. As we mentioned, coaches look for exceptional skills that will add value to the team.
Tip 4: Staying Positive
Remember that coaches evaluate sportsmanship and the on-field presence of players. No matter how players present their skills, keeping their body language positive is necessary.
Even if a player is not satisfied with the performance, they should remain positive and respectful of the other players. In case of a mistake, they should let it go and concentrate on the next move.
A newbie who is not a returning player can expect a small role in the team. It is important to be a good teammate and seize whatever opportunity presents itself. The idea is to contribute to the team in any possible way and encourage the teammates.
Tip 5: Being Creative
Players should learn how to be creative on the field and play freely without hesitating. There is no particular method of playing creatively, but it involves taking quick decisions and recovering quickly.
Another important aspect is staying proactive and anticipating the other players. For this, players need to observe the body language and communication of the opponents. Being proactive can lead to critical moves that can unsettle the opposition in a single quick move.
In addition, it is important to give 100% effort and make the best out of the small opportunities. A player who is intensely involved in the game is more likely to get noticed. For this reason, staying in peak physical condition is a must.
What Not to Do at Football Tryouts?
While there are a lot of things a player should do, there are a few things that they should not.
- Players should not sit and socialize with teammates during tryouts for football
- It is necessary to demonstrate skills with the ball. However, players should make sure to act as a team player and pass it around.
- Players should not put unnecessary pressure on themselves to not make any mistakes or have unrealistic expectations.
- After losing ball possession, a player should not give up. The immediate step is to try to win it back.
- It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes in football, including professional football players at the top level. So, a player should never look defeated or yell at their teammates.
Conclusion
As a coach, it is necessary to incorporate these tips for football tryouts in football development plans for young players. That way, they will be in the best condition before heading for the next tryout.
With the right preparation and confidence, players can perform at their peak capacity during tryouts for football. And even if they don’t make it to the team, they should not give up. Each tryout is a great learning experience to keep trying and perform better.
