How to make the team-Soccer Tryouts

Play the game, not the event. Focus on skills and your teammates or direct opponents. The external factors such as who is watching, or what team you may or may not make in the future will only guarantee failure if you focus on them over the task at hand, your ability will not change drastically in the 90 minutes of a tryout so just aim to show them how good you are.

Preparation

You must be in good physical condition to perform to your best ability. Play soccer or some kind of activity on a regular basis leading up to the tryout. You are required to perform a repeated series of jogs and sprints during a soccer match. You will be unable to do this unless you exercise regularly and are in shape. Not tiring and staying at the same level of performance will mean you outperform players as they tire, and could be the deciding factor in whether or not you make the team.

In addition to exercise you should eat a healthy diet and hydrate properly before the tryout. At least 3 to 4 days before the tryout you should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. You should also hydrate with water or a sports drink before, during and after the tryout.

Equipment

Make sure you arrive at the soccer tryout looking the part. The coach will receive their first impression of you from how you look. It is not about the fanciest and newest equipment, but having what you need. Players who show up with shin guards over jeans may seem unprepared. Players with no shin guards will likely not be allowed to participate at all.

Try and turn up to tryouts wearing;

• Cleats.
• Shin Guards.
• Shorts.
• T-Shirt.

Tuck your shirt in and give a positive first impression to the coaching staff.

Punctuality

Arrive early for the tryout and take with you a water bottle. Respond immediately to the requests of a coach immediately. Avoid being last back or holding up the group after water breaks.

Playing the Game

When it comes to soccer, you are what you are. Players who succeed realize what they are good at and use it to their advantage. If you are trying to dribble and beat players to make an impression, when your strength is passing or defensive play, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Focus on the game and avoid emotional swings high and low throughout the course of the game. If you are looking to the coach to call a foul as the game goes on around you it will create a poor impression and may seriously hinder your chances of making the team. Coaches want to see calm and composure in the heat of competition.

The easiest and most effective way to be noticed during a tryout is work rate. Many players have poor tryouts and claim the reason was they “did not get the ball”. This is nothing but an excuse and it is your job to get the ball. Show for passes and communicate constantly asking for possession. This will be noticed by coaches whether or not you get the ball. If you become disheartened because you get no passes and choose to quit, you should realize the blame lies with you. Focus and persist to make an impact. When you are defending pressure the ball and aim to win possession through tackles and interceptions, another factor that will increase your level of performance significantly.

Reaction

If you do not make the team it is little use complaining or taking it personally. Ask for feedback on areas to improve and work on them on an ongoing basis before trying out later, or for a different team.

If you are fortunate enough to make the team, you should realize that is not the end goal. Being on a team on its own is of little importance. Rather, a team is an opportunity for you to practice on a regular basis and compete to the best of your ability. Attend practice and work on a daily basis on improving your game.