Pick Me! 10 Ways to get Noticed at Tryouts

New Wave Lacrosse tryouts are just a little over a month away. The coaches are getting ready for evaluation and are seriously thinking about what they are going to look for in a player so they can carefully build a roster.

When one thinks about what it takes to make the team, certain words come to mind like skill, natural talent, speed, strength, smarts, and stamina. Those attributes will certainly help a player to stand out in a crowd, but one quality that is too often forgotten about is spirit. Spirit is the willingness to change your old habits, put your team before yourself, take the coaches’ advice to heart, and never cut corners. Spirit makes the difference between a good player and a great player.

For example:

Player Number 1: This athlete, from the outside, would be an easy pick for the team. In fact, he might even be able to carry the whole team on his back. Player 1 is cocky, however, and relies on his natural skill and athleticism to carry him through practices and games. He shows up right when a practice or game is supposed to start, goes through the motions, ends up with 6 goals and 4 assists, and goes home. He rarely puts in time outside of practice, maybe hitting the wall 1 time every two weeks on his own. He nods his head to the coach when he is given pointers, but never takes the advice to heart.

Player Number 2: This athlete isn’t the most skilled. He is fairly clumsy and his shots usually go wide. Way wide. But he hustles like tomorrow isn’t coming and he soaks up coaches’ advice like a sponge. He is always 20 minutes early for practice. He always puts his teammates first and, when he has received any playing time on any team, he has always created opportunities for the team to score. Outside of practice, he lives on the wall. He practices his dodges in the backyard until his parents have to drag him inside. He sleeps with his lacrosse stick. This selfless attitude, combined with the willingness to improve and the heart and drive for the love of the sport makes Player Number 2 a most valuable asset.

If faced with the choice, which player do you think a coach would choose?

If you guessed Player 2, you’re right. He may not be the best on the team, but he sure is coachable. And with enough work outside of practices and games, Player 2 has the potential to become a starter very quickly.

As you are mentally preparing for tryouts, ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you consistently on time with all of your equipment and dressed appropriately for the weather?
2. Do you hustle and help grab the cones, balls, cages, etc. from the field, or do you let the rest of the players get them instead?
3. Do you appear to enjoy coming to practice, or do you seem distracted, bored, or complain often? Do you talk when the coach is addressing the group, or do you respect their knowledge with the aim of learning?
4. Are you open to new suggestions? When the coach corrects your mechanics, do you attempt to fix them, or do you insist on repeating the mistake because you are afraid to try it differently?
5. Do you ask questions and seek to learn from your coach or others?
6. Do you make improvements each day and put in the necessary time outside of practice to make this happen?
7. Do you offer encouragement or praise to other players?
8. Do you try to finish every task, even if you know you aren’t the best at it? Do you finish every sprint, even if you are the last one to cross the end line?
9. Are you focused during drills, knowing when it’s your turn, listening attentively to directions and willing to help others?
10. Are you willing to give just a little bit more effort, even when you’re exhausted?

Spirit can make or break your chances of making the cut at tryouts. So no matter what happens – a dropped ball, missed shot, or failed dodge – keep your head up and know that spirit, not raw talent, is what the coaches are really looking for.

Register for tryouts here: newwavelax.com/tryouts