10 Best Tryout Tips

1. Not The Best Team, but a Team to Be Your Best

Tryouts are not about getting on the best basketball team you can. They're about finding a team that will help you grow in the game and in life and become the best version of yourself possible. A winning team doesn't mean a team is right for you. Different players need different things. Maybe you need a strict coach to teach you discipline if you tend to be all over the place. Or, if you're someone who gets nervous and doubts yourself, a calm coach who helps you build your confidence might be what you need. It's about finding a place where the coach and your teammates help you become not just a better player, but a stronger person too.

High School players may have different considerations, such as exposure to college coaches. Nevertheless, a lot of similar ideas apply.

2. Tryouts is an Opportunity to Learn

Tryouts are your chance to explore programs, especially if you're new to the game. Finding coaches and programs that match your goals, style, and personality is key to getting better. Start by checking out different basketball programs in your area and learning their tryout schedules. Before tryouts, try to see the programs in action by attending games or practices. Pay attention to how the coach works with players, how playing time is given, and the vibe among teammates. Each tryout is a chance to learn, not just about the program, but also about what works best for you.

3. Know the Team and Coaches

It may not always be possible, but try to understand how the team plays and what coaches value. For example, if they love fast breaks and you're quick, show them your speed. Possibly reach out to the coaches before tryouts, share your excitement and ask questions about the tryouts structure, their values and tips to succeed.

4. Visualize

Tryouts can be really nerve-wracking. There's a lot riding on them, maybe even more than in a regular game. You're not just playing; you're trying to show the coaches what you're made of. Come up with your go-to attacking moves, close your eyes and imagine it. Imagine different situations, imagine your successes, imagine your failures as well, visualize how you will react, what are you going to do.

5. Stress Less

Handling pre-tryout stress is all about staying calm and focused. Arriving early can give you time to settle in and get used to the surroundings. Try some tricks to calm down, like deep breathing or listening to your favorite music. Visualize yourself performing well, but also imagine the worst-case scenario. By facing your fears, you take away their power. Just keep reminding yourself that tryouts are just one step on your basketball journey.

6. Make Them See You

If you want to have a chance, you can't just sit back and wait for things to happen, especially if there are a lot of players at the tryouts. Even if you're usually shy, now's the time to be bold. If dribbling is your strength, be the one to take the ball up the court. On defense, challenge yourself by guarding the player who's always in the action. Show your Basketball IQ: coaches love players who make smart plays. Making one smart play can be more memorable than a series of standard moves.

7. Intangibles: Hustle, Energy, Coachability

There are often a lot of skilled players, it's critical to stand out. Energy and Hustle are Non-negotiable: Always be the first to dive for loose balls, sprint back on defense, give it your all in running drills. Don't be quiet: call out screens, communicate with teammates on defense. Exhibit Coachability: Make eye contact with coaches during instructions, if given a correction, apply it immediately. When you mess up, don't hang onto that mistake — quickly say 'my bad' and shift your focus to what you can do next.

8. Finish Strong

Your attitude after tryouts can be just as important as how well you played. Make sure to thank the coaches and everyone else who helped. Asking for feedback is a smart move. Making the team or not, showing maturity, a willingness to learn, and keeping a positive vibe are key to your success.

9. Getting and Making Your Decision

If you didn't make the team, view this as a learning and growing opportunity. It doesn't mean you're not a good player. Identify areas to improve, work with a trainer, keep getting better. If you were offered a spot on a team, don't rush and make sure you want to be there. Assess the coaching style, team culture, playing time philosophy, and whether the environment is conducive to your growth.

10. Get Better Every Day!

Making the team is just the start of your journey. Adopting a culture of constant growth means you're always pushing your limits, learning from every practice, game, and even mistake. Set small, achievable goals and knock them down one by one. Greatness isn't built overnight but through daily efforts, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of being a little better than you were yesterday.