Atlskillz checking in again and i wanted to answer in response to the email: "So how do you get ready for that big tryout"? Whether you are trying out for a high school team, higher-level select team, college team or even a pro team, there are certain do’s and don’ts to love by in order to prepare yourself for the event. To start, make sure that this team that you are trying out for is a good fit for you. You want to make sure that the team that you are trying out for meets your needs for a challenge and you want to make sure that you agree with the coach’s philosophies. In a way you want the team to tryout for you before you try out for them. Make sure that this team is an overall good fit for you.
Now that you know this is the team that you want to play for, its time to prepare for the big day. Remember, coaches are judging you on your performance on the field. This is not a judgment of you as a person or your personality; so do not take it personally. Coaches are judging you on your current soccer skills and their opinion of where you fit in there squad. So for starters, you are going to want to be in tip top shape. If you cannot run a series of sprints without feeling completely out of breathe, you need to work on your speed and endurance. You should practice doing 8-10 100-yard sprints in a row, at least 3 tomes a week, in the month preceding the big day. You will also want to strengthen your endurance. You should be able to run 3 miles in at least 30 minutes, ideally in 25 minutes or less. Currently, I am running 3miles in 27 minutes and 38 seconds. I know I am out of shape but I am still coming back.
Secondly, you will want to practice on your ball control skills. This means practicing on your dribbling and shooting. I know it’s hard to do some of this by alone, especially shooting but I find it to be extremely helpful in the long run. Ideally, it is best to have a partner or even better partners to practice with. Then you can mimic real game situations, and practice movement with a ball and with other player. In addition to your individual skills, most coaches will want to see how you work with other players throughout the tryout. Practice passing and movement off of the ball with your friends and you will be ready for playing with others on your tryout. Remember every second with the ball at your feet counts.
Finally, and maybe one of the biggest points; don’t get hung up on positions. Even if you have played nothing but defense, you should not limit yourself to a specific position on the field. You may not even realize how good you could be in a different position. I found this out in first two seasons as a professional. I have played every position on the field except goalkeeper. Thank God for that! But, the point is that I was playing. So do not get stressed out if the coach puts you in a different position during the course of your tryout. Perform as well as possible, and don’t worry that you may not be playing the position correctly. The coach knows that he is moving players around and putting them in new places. Think of it as doubling your chances of getting selected.
Remember to always keep a positive attitude, a 100% work-rate, be friendly and connect with the other players on the pitch. Coaches will be evaluating you mental game as well as your physical game. If it comes down to choosing between two players with equal physical skill, a good attitude can go a long way. Other than that, when the opportunity presents itself you will be ready to cease the day and put your future in your own hands. I really hoped that this information helped. I have compiled this information from various sources, but mainly from my personal and other existing professionals experiences.
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