- Acting positive during a tryout is very important because coaches look for athletes who will work well together on a team. Cheering for competing athletes and congratulating peers show a positive attitude. Good coaches note this. A positive attitude can be a factor for deciding who makes the team. Someone who is highly skilled but has a negative attitude may not make the team; some coaches believe teaching and improving an athlete's skill is easier than changing an attitude.
- Reliability at a tryout is imperative. Some talented individuals believe punctuality doesn't apply to them because of their ability. Arriving 10 minutes before the tryout begins shows enthusiasm, eagerness to join the team, maturity, and respect for the other team members and coaches at the tryout. Arriving late to a tryout or practice is a very good future indicator of reliability problems once a team is established. Tardiness is not tolerated by good coaches.
- Looking presentable at a tryout is essential. A tryout parallels a job interview. The coach's or manager's initial reaction is shaped visually, before any introductions or actual auditions. Unlike a job interview, though, professional dress is unnecessary. Well-fitting and undamaged clothes appropriate to the sport are a must, your hair should be out of your face, and necessary equipment needs to be close at hand. Nothing looks worse than forgetting equipment at home and borrowing loaner gear from the coach.
- Teams only function well when athletes show respect for one another. Respectfulness for athletes and coaches takes many forms. Saying please and thank you, cheering for other athletes, assisting others in small ways and staying engaged when there is downtime all show respect and maturity. A tryout is the perfect time to start acting like a model team member. Coaches make mental notes of these actions, and use such small behavior cues to shape their overall impression of an athlete.
Attitude
Reliability
Appearance
Respect
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