If you've ever tried our for a sports team, you know it can be nerve-racking. You're one of a few dozen players vying for a small number of spots, and even if you're more talented than most of your competition, one bad day could leave you sitting in the stands all season. So don't wing it. Prepare thoroughly and give your self the best chance of making the cut.
Visualization
In the days leading up to your tryout, set aside time to visualize yourself successfully completing the tasks you'll be asked to do, whether it's hitting a baseball or tackling a running back. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes and imagine yourself doing these things with nothing but successful results. The mental part of the game is crucial in sports, and by envisioning yourself winning, you'll build confidence and develop successful habits.
Sleep
You may find that on the night before your tryout you're a nervous wreck and unable to sleep. Do whatever it takes to get to sleep, whether it's listening to quiet music, drinking warm milk or just going to bed early. If you show up for the tryout exhausted, your performance will likely suffer both mentally and physically.
Eating
An hour or so before the tryout begins, eat a meal largely consisting of complex carbohydrates. They take longer than other foods for your body to digest, meaning you'll have a longer-lasting supply of energy than you would otherwise. Oatmeal, lentils and whole wheat toast are a few examples of energy-boosting, complex-carb foods.
Know Your Role
In many cases, a coach already will have formed a mental list of players who are shoe-ins to make the team, often because they were members the previous season. This reduces your chances, but you can also use it to an advantage. Eyeball the returning players and their strengths and weaknesses. Then focus on showing the coach that you can do the things that his returnees can't. If you're trying out for football, for example, and most of the glamor positions are taken, show off your powerful kicking leg. Once you earn your spot, you can focus on beating out last year's quarterback for the starting job.
Hustle and Attitude
When it comes time to decide which players are going to earn the final few spots on the roster, coaches often weigh the intangibles of the remaining candidate. Another player may be slightly faster or stronger than you, but if you make it abundantly clear that you're a harder worker or have a better attitude, the spot may become yours. Always hustle, listen attentively and show up early for tryouts whenever possible.
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