It's Tryout Time!

It’s that time of year again, sports fans! Yes—it’s tryout season! Woo-HOO!

I love tryouts because it’s a good opportunity to show my coaches how much I’ve been practicing. But, it’s also a little nerve-wracking, too.
It’s normal to get nervous about whether you’ll make the team or the position you wanted, but I’ve got some surefire ways to help you relax and have fun on try-out day!

1. Do your homework. Not that kind of homework! The best kind—sports homework! It’s hard to make the soccer team if you pick up a soccer ball for the first time on the day of tryouts. You have to practice, practice, practice to prepare! Give it at least two weeks of practice so you have built-in confidence on the day of tryouts.

2. Prepare like a champ. On the day before tryouts, get a good night’s sleep. On the big day, drink plenty of water and eat an energizing breakfast and lunch. Try my favorite—turkey, avocado, and tomato in a whole wheat wrap. Yummers! You’ll want to be at your best when it comes time to show off your skills! P.S. My brother Scott likes to add crispy bacon to his wrap.

3. Be confident in your abilities. Trying out in front of the older kids and the coach can be a little intimidating, but if you take some deep breaths and visualize yourself doing awesome in the tryout, you’ll have the confidence to really show off your skills!

4. Be a team player. Coaches don’t want just a bunch of superstars out there who don’t like to pass the ball or share with their teammates. Show how good of a team player you are at the tryouts, and you’ll be sure to score extra points in sportsmanship—which is a super important quality to have as an athlete.

5. Stay Positive. If you gave it your best shot and still didn’t get the spot you wanted, don’t get discouraged. Ask the coach what your strengths and weaknesses are as a player, and work on improving those weaknesses and playing up those strengths in the next tryout session. If you did make the team, get ready because now’s when the hard work really starts!

Read about when Isabel and I try out for the basketball team in book #7 Freaked Out.

you tell us ...

What are your tried-and-true tips for making the team?

Later,

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Comments (74)

crazymonkey writes:

	I don't tryout cause I'm homeschooled so I Just really do sports w/out tring out... EAISER!!!!!!! -crazymonkey-

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SouthernGirl5689 writes:

	If you want to try out for a team, first of all, don't come up the day of try- outs and say you want to play. Practice up for months before tryouts.

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livrox101 writes:

	JUST NEVER GIVE UP AND.... AS NIKE SAYS, "JUST DO IT"

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livrox101 writes:

	o ya and also think positivly if u do, u will fell better about ur self making the team

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livrox101 writes:

	Just play ur best and put effort in to what u do

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Babygurl3637beaconstreet writes:

	JUST STAY FOCUS AND IF YOU DONT MAKE THE TEAM DONT GET SO MAD AT YOUR SELF YOU TRIED YOUR BEST

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Babygurl3637beaconstreet writes:

	JUST STAY CONFIDENT AND STAY FOCUS AND IF YOU DONT MAKE THE TEAM DONT GET MAD

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broadwaybeauty writes:

	I've never tried out for a sport before, but, I go to auditions all the time. So, I guess I can sort of realte to try-outs, but, the fact that everyone gets nervous will ALWAYS stay the same.

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leaftoria writes:

Well true tryouts can be nerve-wracking but to get the jitteries away I always do these 7 things before we start
-Drink a quarter cup of water
It's important you don't get dehydrated of it'll weaken you,but don't drink to much water or you'll feel full and it'll slow you down and you may even need to use the bathroom!
-Take long breaths in and out
-Tie my hair in a ponytail and make sure I'm wearing something proper(I always bring extra elastics in case I lose mine)
-Jogging in the spot a bit helps entergize you up a bit so you don't start off on the wrong foot.
-Just think about you and making the team
-Recheck to make sure you're ready
-Be ready get set GO! smilies/cheesy.gif

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music_freak_00 writes:

	be confident in ur self try not to get nervous it makes it work

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BSG Fan writes:

	thanks ave your tips rule!!! i made a awsome soccer team with them.

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GeminiChik writes:

	my tips r pretty much the same as these. this is almost exactly what i did when i tryed out for the soccer team all those yrs, and i made it too!

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bsggirls07 writes:

	Well, I tried all of my tryout tips, but I didn't make the team. In the future, I guess that I will just try harder to make the team, and give it my all. For other girls who don't make the team, keep one thing in mind: don't give up. If you like the sport enough to try out, then try trying out again ASAP! If I don't make the team again, then at least I'll be used to it.

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nellgirl writes:

	I have tryouts in 3 weeks i will use these tips, thanks ave, I think they could really work. I want to make it again!

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Watermelon26368 writes:

	stay positive, don't worry about messing up..

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FutureMrsNickJonas writes:

	stay positive, don't wory about messing up..

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peppermintpup writes:

	I ausitioned for dance and I made it. Just try your hardest and get the steps right. Its ok to ask for help.

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pinktoeshoes writes:

	Just do it!! And Eat before you do it!

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Tomboy_5395 writes:

	Just stick to it dont give up if u feel so nervous get a friend to go with u so u feel better

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CamiGabi writes:

	MY advice is that if you feel nervous go with a friend that tells you you're doing it good before the try-out practice with her or him(it can be a boy) and try to do your besdt and have fun you have to choose a sport you like or you think you'll like it!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck in the try-outs!!!!!

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CamiGabi writes:

	Maybe you don't like a sport, at least you think that 'cause you never played it,then you try it and end up liking it.. that could happen to you.Besides trying new sports is fun !!!! PS:You can be good or bad at a sport but the question is not if you're good at it the important thing is if you like................ :-):-): )lol

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swim4ever513 writes:

	I have 3 words of advice: Try your best

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Dianadgenius writes:

If you are a guard, show me you can handle the ball and keep under control. If you can shoot the "3", fire some up during shoot-arounds. I like a perimeter player who can shoot the outside shot, but can also drive to the hoop, can see the whole floor and pass, and can handle the ball well. Show me your outside moves (see Outside Moves).

Work on your skills at home, or at the nearby playground in the summer (off-season). Work on the correct things, not just the things you are already good at (see Practicing in the Off-Season).

Be physically "in-shape" (conditioning) when you arrive at try-outs.

During tryouts, don't be intimidated by better players, or players who made the team last year. There will always be a few players at try-outs who are better players and who you know will make the team. But you too can be an important part of the team to as a "role player".

Remember that hard work, hustle and a good attitude will impress the coach, even if your shooting is off that week.

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Dianadgenius writes:

	If you don't make the team don't sweat it - you'll make it next year.

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Dianadgenius writes:

School Sports Tryouts - What If I Get Cut?
It's not the end of the world if you don't make the team. It happens to a lot of people. Even Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team in junior high. Just because you get cut from a team, it doesn't mean you should stop playing sports. You can always find another place to play - like a community center or your backyard. Be positive, work hard and then try out again next time. We're all good at different things - so just make sure you're doing something you like and have fun.

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Dianadgenius writes:

	School Sports Tryouts - Show Your Stuff If you've got game, don't be afraid to show it. You don't want to be too much of a ball hog or a show-off - but there's nothing wrong with driving hard to the hoop or tackling a player hard to the ground. Always try to involve your teammates and encourage other players.

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Dianadgenius writes:

School Sports Tryouts - Don't Whine
There's nothing coaches hate more than a snively, little whiner. Taking a break is cool - but don't go on and on about how tired you are, or about not getting the ball. Have a positive attitude. If your coach asks you to play a position you don't usually play - just do it. It'll show that you're a well-rounded, team player. Talk to your coach before tryouts start and ask him or her what you can do to be a better player.

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Dianadgenius writes:

	School Sports Tryouts - Show No Fear Don't worry or panic too much about being cut - that'll just distract you. You'll do much better at tryouts if you relax and have a good time. Just try your best and forget about the cuts altogether.

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Dianadgenius writes:

School Sports Tryouts - Be In Shape
If you're physically fit and well rested you'll have a better chance of making the team - whether it's football, soccer, cheerleading or any other sport. Get at least eight hours sleep the night before and make sure you've had a high-energy meal before going to practice. Make sure you take in plenty of fluids so you don't dehydrate. Work hard but if you're too hot or feeling queazy, tell your coach and take a rest. Taking a break is not going to hurt your chances as much as puking or passing out on the field will.

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Dianadgenius writes:

School has started up again which means homework, boring classes and teachers who don't understand how funny spitball fights are. It's also the time of the year for team tryouts, which many players hate. There's nothing worse than showing off your moves and wondering if you'll get picked while the coach makes notes on a clipboard. But they are a fact of life in a lot of sports - so here are some tips for making the team and dealing with cuts.

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Awsome writes:

	If you want to ice skate and your mother said NO,look for something else to do.And if you get bored of that tell your mother that you dont want to do that right now.That you want to go roller saking.If she said NO on that go to bed and wake up when your ready.If you get huggry go ask your mother if you can have a snack.

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nellgirl writes:

	The main tip 4 me 2 make a team is just to act like ur practicing by urself w/ no one watching! Its nice. I always do that!

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CamiGabi writes:

	If you don't know which sport play and you want to play one try many sports. And it's more important if you like the sport than if you're good at it.FOLLOW YOUR HEART!! XOXO, CamiGabi

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K1pper writes:

	learn to ignore take deep breaths and close your eyes for a second and you'll do great! P.S. it also works on brothers.

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ricer999 writes:

	wow i love those tips Luv ya

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hockeygirl127 writes:

	1.visualize yourself getting the spot 2.breathe 3.DO YOUR BEST P.S. if your best isn't enough work harder for next year it isnt a crime not to make the team be proud that u even had the guts to get up there

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BSG Fan writes:

	Bring water an extra soccer ball and some parents or friends as support. Be the best that you can be and always love the sport even if you don't make the team.

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BSG Fan writes:

	I really like this sport and i want to make the team....but i really cant do ANYTHING u NEED to get on the team! What do i do?!

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sam9610 writes:

	when youn try out 4 a team,make sure 2 be ur self and try to do the best you can...............dats my advice!!!!!!

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kgirl832 writes:

	Just always keep in mind you are being the best YOU can be.And who knows you can my the team's star! but if you are not then always give it your all.

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CamiGabi writes:

	Maybe you think that you don't like a sport because you never played it.Well,try it 'cause you could end up liking it. PS:BESIDES TRYING NEW SPORTS IS FUN!!!!! I'm behind you 100% on this one, CamiGabi! Later,

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rentluver1996 writes:

	omg i am so nervous my school play auditions were today!!!!!! eek our play is anything goes!!

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OF4ever writes:

my friend and i had tried out for the school basketball team. we had two parts to do and i didnt want to go to the second part becuz my legs were sore. but i regretted that becuz my friend said it was way easier than the first one and we had a better chance on gettin on the team. all i want to say is dont give up in the middle, just keep on trying till the end. if u dont make it u should still be proud that u tried ur best and it was worth it!!! smilies/cheesy.gif

Excellent advice, OF4ever! That bit of sports wisdom gets the Avery Madden seal of approval.

Later,

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redsoxfreak24 writes:

	if u don;t make it don't be jealous except for when they make it but don't deserve it(that happened to me when i didn't make it to select chorus and instead a girl is in it that doesn't even sing)

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twinlakesgal writes:

hey waz up? see i like horse back riding and there is this show team right and i really want to be in it but i have to have a horse or lease a horse which is toooooo much!! i know i could make the team with alot of help with horse shows but im leaving this stable for like 2 mounts or soo!wat should i do? smilies/sad.gif

Hey, you should def ask Katani about it. She rides horses and she prob would have some advice 4 u.

Later,

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fiaryfiar writes:

	#1 try hard and practice! #2 if u cant run dont play! (unless its like golf or somethin) #3 have fun #4 dont play because som1 forces u! write back 4kicks Hey fiaryfiar. I like your #3 the best. Having fun is ALWAYS at the top of my list! Later,

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dance101 writes:

	well just do your bestt and have funnnnnn thats mine

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rentluver1996 writes:

i donno about sports, but i do know about musicals. when u r auditioning, be LOUD. the people who are deciding if u make it are not gonna care if u have a great voice, but can't project it. as my chorus teacher says, better to make a loud mistake than a quiet nothing. plus, try to get into character. even if you are a really shy person, you need to be the person that u r trying out for. plus never give up! even if you don't make it, try again! people don't usually make a huge production on their first try!! so don't give up!!!

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Watermelon26368 writes:

	Give it your hardest. I usally practice before a I go into tryouts because then I have my skills up to there best.

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greenbeen writes:

	Give it you hardest. I usually practice before a I go into tryouts because then I have my skills up to there best. Totally! That's how you do it. Practice, practice, practice! Later,

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Mgirl101 writes:

	you should always try new sports. i tried a new sport last year that i said i would never play and now i love it.

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redsoxfreak24 writes:

	try ur best and if you don't make it still stay true to what u want to be i luv singing so i tried out for the select chorus(a smaller chorus) and i didn't make it but i still luv singing! That's right! Even if you don't make the team or the squad or the chorus or the whatever, that doesn't mean you're not allowed to LOVE that activity! Later,

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BriBSG writes:

	hmm. well i just made the b-ball team and the way i did it was 2 keep up w/ my game..........show alot of inthusiasam!

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horseluvr84 writes:

	Just do your best. Give it your all.

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xox11jaymee writes:

	Dont really care what other people say belive in your heart!

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spellbee12 writes:

i tried out 4 the volleyball team,but didn't make it.so i watched 1 of my bffs lead the team 2 a record of 7-1 & district champs!