Basketball tryouts help you select your team, so having a plan is key to creating a solid team. The tryouts should engage the potential players in a variety of drills and demonstrations to highlight the key skills and traits you seek. Detail the process before the players arrive so you get a consistent look at each person's abilities.
Purpose
Before you decide on drills and evaluations at the tryouts, you need to know what you're looking for in the players. The age of the players is a consideration when defining your purpose. Your expectations for a youth player would be much different than tryouts for a high school team. Determine how many positions are available on the team and which positions you're filling. This helps you look for traits that would be particularly useful in that role. Make a checklist of the specific skills you hope to see in the players to help you decide who makes the team.
Drills
A set of drills based on specific basketball skills allows you to evaluate the technical aspects of each player. A passing drill helps you to identify the best passers. A shooting drill allows you to calculate a shooting percentage for each player. Refer to your skill list to develop the drills you want the players to perform. Each player should run all of the drills so you can get a well-rounded look at her talents. Drills might involve passing, dribbling, pivoting, ball control, free throws, three-point shots, layups or rebounds.
Scrimmage
A scrimmage gives you a glimpse at how each player uses his technical skills in a game situation. A player may shoot well during a drill but fall short when he faces coverage from defensive players. Divide players into two teams and let them play for a set amount of time. Observe each player and make notes during the scrimmage. Use this game situation to determine which players not only have the skills but also the potential to perform well. Determination, aggressiveness and the ability to work with the other players also helps distinguish potential team members.
Tips
If only some of the players will make the team, make specific documentation during tryouts to support your decision. Assign points or rank players on the same set of criteria to create a uniform selection process. If a player or parent complains, you have the documentation to back up your decision. Avoid comparisons between players because this creates tension and works against a sense of teamwork. Involve assistant coaches in scoring and selecting the players who try out so you get different opinions on which players would add the most to the basketball team.
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