When I was 13, I was called up to try out for my regional soccer team. I remember it well. I had scored an insane number of goals in the previous season, and I was now given a chance to mix it with the best players in my district.
As it turns out, I blew. I barely touched the ball in the two tryouts and went home disappointed, embarrassed, and less than hopeful about my chances. But fortunately, the coach had seen me play throughout the season and put my performance at tryouts down to nerves, subsequently calling me up to the district squad!
The reason I’m telling you this is that I have firsthand experience of participating in soccer tryouts. And while I got called up, I didn’t do myself any favors with my lackluster performances.
So, if I was advising my 13-year-old self about how to make a positive impression and stand out in soccer tryouts, here are ten things I would recommend:
Tip 1: Get your nerves under control
I’m a really anxious person, and my nerves certainly didn’t help me when I took to the field for soccer tryouts all those years ago. So, my first tip is to try and get your nerves under control.
Whatever it is that you’re trying out for, you need to try and normalize the experience. Get into the mindset of treating the tryouts as a normal game in which you’re playing for your regular team.
Whether you try some simple meditations before heading to the field or simply assure yourself that tryouts are not the end of the world, getting your nerves under control before lacing up your cleats will make a big difference to your performance.
Tip 2: Don’t try too hard to impress
This might sound controversial, but my next piece of advice is not to try too hard. Why? Because it can cause you to do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. You might, for instance, put in a bad challenge because you’re so desperate to win the ball back.
Or, you might end up running around like a headless chicken trying to get the ball when you would be much better served to hold your position and play your natural game.
If you’re confident in your abilities on the soccer field and feel that you have what it takes to make the team, let your skills do the talking and play your normal game – there’s no need to try too hard to impress the coach.
Tip 3: Be on time
Regardless of the coach that you’re trying to impress, if you’re late for tryouts, you will have a black mark against your name before you even start. Being late for anything isn’t helpful, but being late for tryouts will mean that you stand out for all the wrong reasons.
So, don’t leave things until the last minute. Make sure your soccer bag is packed the night before, and arrange your travel to tryouts in advance. Try and aim to arrive at the venue 30 minutes or so before tryouts start.
You can always do a warm-up or chat with some of the other players before things get underway, and you don’t need to worry about annoying the coach by arriving late.
Tip 4: Show respect
I was a bit of a hothead on the soccer field when I was younger. Sometimes it worked in my favor, and other times it worked against me, as it occasionally came across as a lack of respect, even though it was just due to my insatiable will to win.
When you’re invited to soccer tryouts, it’s imperative that you show respect. Be courteous and polite in your interactions with the coach, and don’t argue with the match officials!
Equally important is the way that you interact with the other players. No matter the result at the end of the trials, show respect by shaking hands and being positive. You should also show that you’re a team player by being respectful to those on your team – it can make a big difference to the way that the coach perceives your attitude.
Tip 5: Communicate
While soccer coaches are looking out for the best players at tryouts, they’re also on the lookout for the best leaders. Even if you know you’re not the best player on the field, you can show the coach that you’re someone who can lead players, which is a highly sought-after attribute.
Often, the captain isn’t the team’s best player. The captain is the best communicator and the player that can get the best out of those around them.
So, show that you’re good at communicating on the soccer field and willing to take on responsibility. This will undoubtedly impress the coach and give you a chance to stand out from the crowd.
Tip 6: Run, Run, Run
In soccer tryouts, it can be difficult to get on the ball and establish yourself. After all, you will be playing with people you’re not familiar with, and it can be difficult to show what you’re capable of.
But one thing that you can show is your work ethic, whether or not you have the ball. While I’m not saying that you should charge around the pitch without a plan (see tip 2), you do need to show the coach that you’re willing to run the hard yards for your teammates.
Nobody wants a lazy player on their team, and refusing to do your fair share of running in tryouts will almost certainly work against you, no matter how talented you are.
Tip 7: Have the right equipment
This should be obvious, but you need to be well equipped for your soccer tryouts. If the tryouts are on the grass, make sure you invest in a decent pair of soccer cleats ahead of the event, as it will be difficult to show your skills in a pair of sneakers.
You also need to think about things like shin guards and the appropriate kit. If you turn up unprepared, it won’t set the best example with your coach.
Tip 8: Know your position
In soccer tryouts, it’s common to be asked to play in a position that you’re not familiar with. The coach might tell you to play as a fullback, even though you’re more confident as a striker. While there’s not a great deal you can do about this, you do need to know your position.
What I mean by this is that when asked by the coach where you play, you need to confidently answer the question. If you show that you’re unsure, you will be put where the coach decides and not given the opportunity to express yourself.
Check out this article where we write about the easiest positions in soccer if you’re not sure about where you should feature on the field.
Tip 9: Pass the ball
Okay, before we round things up, I want to leave you with a tip that’s close to my heart. You have to pass the ball in soccer tryouts, even if you think that you should dominate the play by dribbling past your opponents and smashing the ball into the back of the net.
The reason I say this is because so many players think that they need to hold onto the ball for long periods to show what they’re capable of. But in reality, the coach wants to see players passing and moving and including their teammates in the play.
If you don’t pass the ball to your teammates, it comes across as selfish, even if you constantly beat your opponent. So, make sure you open things up and include other players wherever possible – it will show you in a good light, trust me!
Tip 10: Enjoy it!
Soccer tryouts are anxiety-inducing; there’s no getting away from it. But you need to try and enjoy the experience. When you enjoy yourself, you will be more at ease and are much more likely to attract the attention of the coach for all the right reasons.
When the game gets underway, play with a smile on your face and remember why you’re there – you’re there to show people what you can do and how good you are at soccer. What’s not to love about that?!