Obviously trying out for a sports team requires preparation and hard work prior to the actual tryout date (conditioning, lifting, captains practices etc.) But as that time has come and gone, all you can do is focus on the present moment. So what can you do right now to be prepared and successful when trying out for a sports team?
Be Early.
If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time. Clearly you never want to be late to any scheduled practice or meeting. Being late will never send a good message to the coach. In addition, it will create more stress for you when you find yourself running to the field or hurrying to put on your sneakers. But being early shows your enthusiasm and desire to be there. Being early will also give you the extra time you need to relax and get focused.
Get Sleep.
This is an obvious one. However, don’t stress if you do not sleep well the night before the big day. It is the sleep from two nights before that counts. If tryouts start on Monday, Saturday night’s sleep is the most important. Check out this article about why we shouldn’t freak out over a bad night’s sleep before a big day.
Ice Bath and Stretching.
Prevent sore muscles by hopping into an ice bath after each session or at least once a day. Stretch every chance you get: in the shower, when you get out of the shower, and before bed. Even if you just set the timer on your phone for 5 minutes, doing it here and there is better than just waiting for warm-ups in the next session.
Hydrate. A LOT.
Pound the water. Chug until your urine is clear. No joke. This is the difference between having heavy leaded legs and feeling like a well-oiled machine. Coconut water is also a great supplement to water. It provides more potassium than four bananas (helping with those cramps) and it is packed with electrolytes for super hydration.
Be Helpful.
If your sport is anything like lacrosse, requiring the gathering of balls or the moving of nets after practice, be proactive. The coaches and the team will be impressed with your selfless and supportive nature.
Be Enthusiastic and Stay Positive.
No one wants to be up at 7am running 300s. Make it worth your while and your teammates’ by sending good vibes. “Fake it ‘til ya make it” as my high school coach would say. Everyone will make mistakes out there. No one is expected to be perfect. It is the way you react to the mistake that the coaches care about. Stay positive and just get it next time.
Leave it all out there.
No regrets. If you can walk away from the day knowing that you played your heart out, then that is all anyone can ever ask for.