How to Prepare for Basketball Tryouts

The start of a new basketball season is upon us – and it’s time for tryouts. Tryouts are a challenge not only for players, but also for coaches, as they must assess a pool of players’ skills, attitudes and team compatibility all in one condensed period of time.

Of course, the question that is top of mind for players is: how do I stand out from the competition? Here’s a breakdown of the key areas you should be focusing on when preparing for the upcoming season.

Skills

Excel at the basics. Spend time doing ball handling drills. Practice shooting from key areas of the court. You don’t have to be a three-point shooter to shine; just be consistent where it counts. And be sure to put just as much energy into your defensive game as you put into your offensive game.

Endurance

You don’t want to be the player resting at the sidelines after running suicides. Make sure you’re in excellent physical shape. Alternate between sprints and long distance running as you train. And don’t forget to take a basketball with you.

Attitude

Attitude really is everything. Often talent comes down to a matter of desire and hustle. Show the coaches just how badly you want to be on the team. Arrive early and stay late. Show enthusiasm and leadership to demonstrate that you’re a team player. Even if you have a bad tryout one day, don’t let it deter you from the next. You have to be prepared mentally in order to perform physically. In the days, or even hours, leading up to the tryout, visualize yourself performing on the court.

Wardrobe

If you want to look like you’ve come prepared, you better dress the part. Proper apparel not only makes you look like a basketball player, but it also helps you reach peak performance. Essential gear includes: quality basketball shoes, athletic socks, shorts and a tank top or t-shirt. Remove all jewelry and non-essentials, and tie long hair back securely.

In order to be successful, you have to start early. Hopefully you’ve been practicing throughout the summer, but be sure to really focus on preparing yourself physically and mentally in the weeks leading up to tryouts. See you on the court!