01/29/2024
Great Advice for high school softball players as varsity tryouts approach from Coach Sean Hall
High School Softball Try-Out Tips by Sean Hall
In the next month or so about 40,000 High School players will be trying out to make Varsity, JV, B-Squad and 9th Grade teams. Try-Out Time is a stressful time for the players, parents and coaches. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward in the process.
Control your Controllables!
There are some things you can't always control in a tryout. As much as we would like to hit every ball, and catch everything hit at us, it is inevitable that we will make some mistakes. You can always control your attitude, effort, and your coach-ability. Keep a positive attitude, make sure you are always giving 100% and listen to what the coaches or tryout coordinators may be saying to you. If you do these things, you will have a leg up on the competition. Most people won’t control everything they can.
Communicate!
This is something every player chooses to do or not to do. Everyone can talk, but 75% of players don't do it all, or do the minimum. Talk about where the ball is going prior to the pitch. Call loudly for the ball you are going to take. Cheer on your teammates! This says a lot about you when you are cheering for the player that could take your spot. It tells everyone you are a team player!
Get Down & Dirty!
A player that is willing to dive for a ball has said a lot about themselves especially if it's on the gym floor. Whether you catch the ball or not, it says that you’re willing to go all out for the team!
Dress to Promote & Impress
Where clothes that promote the program, you are trying out for! Someone wearing a hockey t-shirt says they might care more about hockey than softball. Wearing a club t-shirt is a catchy one. Some coaches may evaluate you higher, but other coaches may drop you down because it isn't their program. If you’re trying out for TIMBUCKTOO HIGH SCHOOL I would where a TIMBUCKTOO SOFTBALL SHIRT! This is the safe bet!
Big Bounce Back
Look to use your inevitable mistakes to look good. The coaches want to see how you respond after you make a mistake! Show them you have a big bounce back! Like Taylor Swift says, “Shake it off!” and be ready to make the next play. This shows you believe in yourself, and you are mentally strong.
Positive Energy & Personality
Having a positive personality and positive energy is really a difference maker! A player with positive energy helps make their teammates and even coaches better because they are fun to be around. Most good coaches are going to put the best players on the field regardless of their personality. However, if two players are even and one player is a Positive Patty and the other player is a Debbie Downer Patty would have a leg up.
Be the first to HELP!
When it is time to set things up, pick-up balls & put things away don't lose these opportunities to make a positive impression on the coaches. You really should do these things all the time, not just in tryouts. Good things will generally come your way when you respect the game and are a team player! Be the one that takes care of the hardest thing, which is usually the pitching machine. Or the one that picks up the balls that are the farthest away.
Know the Process
Understand the tryout process! Know what you are being evaluated on! Know how many reps you are going to get. Study the pitches from the pitching machine. Is it inside, or is it outside, how fast is it? Are the ground balls one hopper or two hoppers? Do they do a pattern?
Have Confidence!
If you have put the time in prior to tryouts, you have a reason to be confident! Breath and have fun! As hard as this can be you need to try to do this! YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES! Try to turn it into a positive!
Good Luck!
There is no guarantee that if you follow these rules, you will make the team you are wanting to make. But I firmly believe these are things that every player can control. No matter what happens, if you can control your controllable's you will give yourself the best opportunity to make the team. You can also look in the mirror and know you gave it your best shot! Your best is all you can give! Also remember, a high school tryout is different than most club tryouts. As a High School Coach you can easily pull players up, or put them down if they are doing really well or struggling.
