28-01-09 09:23 Age: 2 yrs
TIPS FOR TRYOUTS
Category: Top Stories
10 Do's and Don't's to give you the edge during upcoming baseball tryouts
So you're getting ready to try out for the team you want to play for. The try-outs are tough, and you feel a lot of pressure, but you want to do your best with all those coaches watching and evaluating all the different aspects of your game. Here are some Do's and Don't's that you should practice to be sure of doing your best at the try-outs:
DO...
1. ...Be sure you know when all the try-outs are held, and how many sessions you are required to attend. Plan to attend as many as possible, so that you become familiar to the coaches. The better they know you, they better your chances.
2. ...Be sure you work out several days before the first try-out, getting your arm loose and your glove loosened up. Too many kids go out the first day of try-outs having not prepared, and they wonder why they can't throw straight or catch a grounder. You have to get your body loose and ready before the first try-out. Don't take that brand new glove. It's better to use your old soft mitt until the new one breaks in.
3. ...Wear something distinctive, like a yellow t-shirt or a red hat. Coaches have an easier time keeping track of players when they stand out. And try to wear the same shirt every time, so they get even more familiar with you. You want them to notice you!
4. ...Bring your best energy to the try-outs and stay focused while you are there. Coaches like kids who are attentive and don't get distracted... and they especially like kids who follow directions well and don't need to be told things over and over. Listen carefully when a coach is speaking and nod your head to show that you heard him. Being a 'coachable kid' is a very important plus on your side.
5. ...Stay positive. Baseball is a hard game, and all coaches know that. You will miss a ground ball or two, and you will make a lousy throw or two. You will swing and miss several pitches, and maybe lose a fly ball in the wind. The coach is watching how you handle these situations. Do you throw a fit, or show too much disappointment? If you fall apart when things go less than perfectly, he may decide to take another player who won't require so much help keeping his head in the game.
DON'T...
1. ...Arrive late to try-outs with some excuse. Not a good way to make a first impression on a coach. Make sure your parents get you there early.
2. ...Talk too much when you should be listening or just concentrating on the drill. Kids who talk too much in try-outs tend to talk too much in practice, and coaches don't appreciate having to compete with a player for attention. Keep quiet and focus on your game.
3. ...Brag about your talents or make excuses for your mistakes. Concentrate on doing each thing as well as you can, then immediately get ready for the next thing. If you miss a grounder, hustle after it and run back to the next thing. Show the coach that you have a mature attitude and can handle adversity. Try not to walk or look lazy when you could jog or hustle. Coaches love hustle.
4. ...Swing for the fences or try to make the spectacular play. In batting practice, the coach is looking for contact. Just hit the ball solidly and don't worry how far it goes. A big swing that doesn't hit anything looks like an out to a good coach. A hitter who makes contact winds up on base a lot in youth leagues. In the field, make the sure play most of the time. Catch the ball, then throw it. Kids who try for the great catch in the outfield often turn singles into triples. Coaches hate that.
5. ...Worry about your performance. Try to stay relaxed. If you wind up on Team B instead of Team A, it's probably for the best. It's better to play on a lower level team if it means you'll play more and have more success. Coaches usually end up putting kids where they'll do best. Let them see your skills and let the rest take care of itself.
Whatever team you wind up playing for, give it your best shot, and you'll have a successful season. Remember, there's not too many things out there better than playing baseball, so make sure you have fun.
