It’s that time of year again – the dreaded soccer club tryout season. While tryouts can bring out the nerves for many players, there are a few things parents and players can do to minimize the stress and anxiety for the whole family.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Be Prepared
- Understand that your child may not be the big fish anymore.
- Part of being prepared is being realistic.Have an open mind. Accept that the coaches may see your daughter in a different role than what you have been used to.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the club beforehand
- Before tryouts, tell them you love them
- During tryouts, don’t stand on the sideline and coach them; don’t stand on the sideline lurking or with negative body language.
- After tryouts, refrain from post-game analysis. Tell them you love them, ask them if they had fun and where they want to eat.
- Sit back and enjoy. The angst that the players feel might go away if you’re relaxed.
Finally realize as a parent that your whole self worth should not lie in the fact that your child makes a team. They are not you and often what different things than you do. Life isn’t always fair, but honest. All human beings are not created equally. Cherish your child because you just never know what your negative reaction about a “tryout” can do in the long run. Have fun because these childhood times – no matter how stressful – go quickly.
TIPS FOR PLAYERS:
Be Prepared
- “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail” From now until tryouts, get outside with a ball for 30 minutes a day.
- You may have to play a different position than what you’re used to. Don’t ever say to a coach, “I’m not a defender/striker/etc” Eat healthy, stay away from junk food the day of tryouts
- Drink water throughout the day
- Going into your pool is OK! But don’t go swimming. Pool is for relaxing. If you do go into the pool, make sure you shower before tryouts. Get the chlorine off of your body, it clogs the sweat pores.
- Get a good night sleep.
Showcase Yourself
- This doesn’t mean turn into a ball-hog.
- If you are a good dribble, than show it.
- If you’re athletic, put yourself in a position to showcase that.
- If defense is your strong point, win as many tackles as you can.
- Win every 50-50 ball you can.
- Communicate effectively.
- Show off your “Soccer IQ”
- Be composed, carry yourself with confidence.
- Have a positive attitude. Coaches will notice this either way.
- Smell the roses while you can, enjoy the experience of playing.
- Have fun and smile, shows that you love the game
No. 1 Soccer Camps, the first national camp of it’s kind, was founded by Dr. Joseph Machnik in 1977. Since then, over 80,000 soccer players and coaches have attended No. 1 Soccer Camps. The former World Cup and professional soccer coach is credited for creating the “Machnik Method”, a distinctive soccer training method that is universally recognized and used today. For information on our camp or any of our nationwide sites, please visit our website at www.no1soccercamps.com.
Blue 16 Media