S E A M U S' C O R N E R

Seamus' Tip of the Month: Tips for Tryouts

Tips For Tryouts. Tryouts are almost upon us once again. I know this can be a stressful time for everyone involved so here are some guidelines and advice to those for whom it matters most.....the players!

BEFORE

Prepare well - Remember you will burn a lot of nervous energy at a tryout on top of the normal energy output of a training session or a game. Therefore, you should start increasing your fluid intake at least 24 to 48 hours beforehand. This means plenty of water or gatorade, maybe the odd cup o' tea. But not so much soda! Also, eat sensibly the day of the tryout, even if you are nervous and not feeling too hungry!

DURING

Come ready to play - Try to build yourself up before you come to the tryout. If you can come in confident and determined then you will play better, I promise! Don't worry or get down if you make a mistake. Everyone will make them. It is how you respond to them that matters. Play your hardest for the whole time - This sounds obvious but it is very true. Don't ever think that you have no chance of making a team or that you are definitely on a team. Play in the moment. Do your best in everything you do be it tackling, shooting, making a pass or a save, everything! Have fun - Try to enjoy yourself. Forget about the evaluators and try to relax. Play in a way that shows you love the game. Don't try to do everything yourself. A good pass is just as important as a mazy dribble!

AFTER

Don't worry - it is the evaluator's and my job to worry after the tryout is over. Just like you tried to build yourself up before the tryout, now try to prepare yourself to accept whatever decisions are made. You have given it your best and that is all we would ever ask of you!

EPYSA hosts an area on their website devoted to the Civility Program. Click here to read more.