A peek into the coaches tryout process will help you, the athlete, know what to expect...
Yes, it's true that coaches do, typically, have a good idea of who will be attending tryouts and therefore who they have to choose from for their team selection that year. Occasionally there are athletes that show up as a surprise, however. Also, teams in ages 12u-14s are not solidified until the final day of tryouts.
First, coaches get a sneak peek of who is coming to tryout at pre-tryout clinics.
Next, coaches get to watch athletes at tryouts, take notes on them, and discuss their individual abilities with other coaches for further input on who to place where. You will see coaches walking around with clip boards and likely whispering to one another as you and the other athletes play. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!!
Following tryouts the entire coaching staff gets together to discuss who they have selected for their team or who they are considering. It is important to know that the head coach and assistant coach are NOT the only ones who have made the placement decision for the athletes on their team. Other coaches in that age group and throughout the club that attended tryouts have the opportunity to give their input, and the club directors' opinions are also heavily weighed in. Our club operates as a unit, which means our coaching staff helps one another in our decision making and each coach is guided by the club directors and head coaching staff to make the best decisions possible.
That evening, after final decisions are made, calls will be made to athletes at the phone numbers given on tryout registration forms to inform them what team they made. Remember to STAY NEAR YOUR PHONE. It is easiest for coaches to be able to contact each individual athlete one at a time, and not have to bounce around on their list (or be interrupted while calling another athlete by an athlete returning their previous phone call). At this time you have the opportunity to accept or reject your team offer so BE PREPARED WITH YOUR ANSWER AHEAD OF TIME. Coaches do not have time to wait around on your decision. Additionally, everything is thrown massively out of whack if coaches receive a phone call late that evening or the next day (or even later...) that the athlete chose not to accept her offer.
Now that you have a better idea of what actually happens "behind the scenes" during the tryout process, here are a few tips to help get noticed at tryouts and be remembered!
1. BE LOUD!
It is extremely important to talk and communicate on the court AT ALL TIMES. This includes calling the ball, shadowing other players, discussing what kind of ball is coming and where it's going to go, who is covering what, etc.
On top of just the regular court communication (remember, this is important no matter how old you are!) encouraging the other athletes trying out is a huge factor that helps get the attention of coaches. It shows you are a team player and willing to celebrate others' success.
2. HUSTLE!
Whether you are going to get water during a break, shagging a ball, or going from one place to the next in a drill, hustle is extremely important and noticed by every single coach in the gym. Coaches need to see that you are willing to work hard without being told to do so. This also hints at your level of coachability.
3. BE COACHABLE!
When a coach gives you instruction, take it and apply it immediately. Making mistakes is not the issue; the issue is making the same mistakes over and over again. This is frustrating for a coach and shows that you are unwilling to change your bad habits. Even if you are playing at the upper level of the talent at tryouts, being uncoachable means that eventually your competition (your teammates vying for your spot included) will outplay you! Do as the coach says and try your best to apply it immediately. They don't talk just for the sake of talking. What they say to you is for a reason, and that reason is almost always to make you a better volleyball player and all-around athlete!
4. RELAX!
It is easy to get yourself so stressed out about tryouts that you can barely function. Remember, coaches do not expect perfection! Coaches are looking for an athlete that is willing to try their best 100% of the time. Volleyball is a game of mistakes. Try to not repeat your mistake more than once, but be mindful of the fact that mistakes are OK! No one is going to gun you down for missing that hit, serve, pass, and so on. Coaches want to see your willingness to try and you being aggressive on the court. Those two things are always accompanied by the occasional mistake. Once it's made, LET IT GO AND MOVE ON! Having a "next ball mentality" can be your most valuable tool as a volleyball athlete.
Good luck and see you at tryouts!
- Amarillo Juniors
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