Tryouts-what works, what doesn't?

[default]

Tryouts-Parents/Players, what works, what doesn't?
I know coaches will chime in for obvious reasons but at the same time many coaches have DD's that play on teams as well... but, from a parental or player's point of view, what do you consider a good tryout? This question should generate many responses. The question is purposely "open-ended" to get many areas covered. What are you looking for in a team????

Some things to consider as a parent an player are location, schedule, team policies, costs, coaching, returning players, history or legacy, and the list can go on forever... but I'm more interested in the things you saw at the tryout that said "this is who want to be with" or "man they messed that up". THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO NAME ORGANIZATIONS OR COACHES NAMES and should be kept clean.

My goal is to do a "voice of customer" to see what people want from an organization and how organizations can deliver as well as obtain the players we are after. A "Two-way-street" if you will...

 

[default]

Be organized...you've probably go these girls for 2 hours - make sure you can see as much as possible during that 2 hrs.

All coaches need to be paying attention to all the players. Treat them as if they all have an equal shot whether they do or not.

Have a meeting with all the parents of the age group at some point and answer any and all questions as well as you can. Provide handouts with what the fees will be, expected # of tournaments, practice schedules - all the expecations for both sides - team and family. Yada yada yada.

 

[default]

thanks Tim. Maybe I'm hearing "crickets" on this post for a reason.

 

[default]

thanks Tim. Maybe I'm hearing "crickets" on this post for a reason.

Yeah, interesting there aren't more responses. Seems like this would be a hot topic. ?

 

[default]

Thread was started on a Saturday, a slow day posting-wise.

If you post it, they will come...

 

[default]

A lot of teams will not post what positions they are looking for or "we are looking for every position," but that is not fair to the older players who have already developed into certain positions. It is a waste of time for a position player to show up at a tryout where there are already two of that position on a team. Chances are it is a wasted tryout, or you will put the player in a different position.

We like written handouts that we can take home and refer to later. Don't tell us you are playing Stingrays or Compuware if you are not sure you will be accepted. Also, don't wait for weeks to call--call within a few days--even if you have decided you do not want the person on the team. Call if you are not sure so at least they know.

Make signs pointing to the place of tryout for those who are not familiar with the area. More and more players are traveling out of town for the right experience.

Make a point to call the player by name and to talk to them. Don't just treat them like a number. Help them feel comfortable and relaxed by holding conversations with them. I used to talk to players before and during tryouts even though I wasn't a coach just trying to help them forget about being nervous.

Having experience running tryouts and having daughters attend tryouts, I would have to say that our best tryouts were when we did our homework ahead of time. We liked it when parents called us ahead of time and talked to us so that we could get a better feel of what they were looking for and to also watch out for the player.

This past fall we called coaches and asked them what they were looking for and also let them know what we were looking for. We knew before attending the tryout that it would be a good fit for our daughter and our family. We are so fortunate to be with the team my daughter is playing with this year. The girls are wonderful and get along well. The parents are also nice and so far have not complained about the coaches. It is so nice to be away from the politics and backstabbing we have seen for so many years. I am so glad that my daughter is getting a chance to experience a well-balanced team where she can be super competitive on a winning team but also have a team that isn't jealous and really gets along.

 

[default]

A parent's perspective...

If you are taking your DD to tryouts, one must assume you're not happy with your current team.

Which team?
If finding a good fit for your DD is important, don't wait until two weeks before tryouts to do your homework! Start scouting during the current season. Drift over to the other fields at tournaments and watch other teams. If you've always heard good things about "team x", go watch them play, and strike up a conversation with a few of the parents. Make a prioritized list of teams that appear to fit your DD's needs.

How to "try out"?
Being nervous is natural, but if your DD practices controlling it, she will go far. Unless she's way over her head talent wise, it's actually pretty simple. If she's disciplined about hustle, respect for others, and has good skills - she will be snatched up quickly. Problem is, a lot of parents refuse to be honest with themselves or their DD about their DD's capabilities. If she's currently hitting sub .200 on a rec level team, how is she going to make it on a Gold level team? Be realistic. If you really don't enjoy spending every summer weekend out of state, don't even think about the Slammers.

Call backs?
This is easy. If you don't get an offer BEFORE you leave the tryout, assume it was a bust - AND MOVE ON! Just like a job interview, don't sit around waiting for the call that never comes. If you did your homework and made some phone calls (ever heard of a "phone tryout"?) it's much less painful.

 

[default]

There is another situation besides someone not being happy with a team. In our case, the coach retired.

 

[default]

I want to see organization.

I want to see - on paper - a "mission statement", fees, practice schedule, a list of tournaments entered this year -for an idea of "local" versus overnighters, etc...

But most of all, I want to see how the coaches interact with the players. As well as coaches identifying head-case players and parents who aren't supportive of the "what's best for the team".....

 

[default]

There is another situation besides someone not being happy with a team. In our case, the coach retired.

Some girls tryout just to tryout- they have no intention of leaving their current team--they just want to see how they stack up...

 

[default]

I debated with myself quite a while before joining this thread, and am still not sure the smartest person won the debate, but here goes one opinion.
HONESTY
Coaches, if you are only looking for 1 or 2 players be upfront, don't tell me the entire team has to try out again and then hit them 2-3 groundballs and go on to the next girl. If they are on the team great if not put them through tryouts and evaluate on how they tried out. If you say you are going to follow-up with a call, email, whatever do so promptly. We're adults dealing with our children, if we don't make the cut, we can find somewhere else to play. If you want to keep us on the bubble while you look a little longer say so. We might surprise you and wait, or we might look elsewhere also.
Know exactly what you want to do before I show up with my child, don't try to get organized on the fly. If you are a good public speaker and can represent your group, great, if not find someone that is. Nothing worse then trying to listen to an adult stumble around making it up as they go. Usually you start to mumble and repeat yourself.
Players come ready to try out, gloves, shoes, bat, helmut, water ready to go. If you are fighting with your parents, leave it in the car. Your tryout starts as soon as you open the car door.
Parents, teams often evaluate the parents. Stay in the background during the tryout portion. Your child will succeed or fail on their own. If they do poorly, ask for another chance. Ask lots of questions about tournaments, travel, fees etc. DO NOT let the coaches be vague about what their goals are, or accept statements like they will "take your daughter to the next level". If they are an elite team, they will play elite level tournaments. That level of play is not for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with playing on a team that fits your daughters abilities and expectations. If they are not ready for the level you are striving for, maybe you don't want to commit to a team just yet. Work on her game, if you follow this site, you will know that many teams are still after players in the spring.

 

[default]

Dogs... nice post and thanks! Good stuff!

 

[default]

Ok this thread goes several different directions....but what I have always liked to see was fees and what that includes (roughly) printed out and handed to you when you sign in. Also be specific about who is coaching which age group....which person is manager, asst, etc. If girls are returning and already have their spots for sure it is nice if they introduce themselves to the girls trying out....helps with getting a feel if you want to play with these girls.


Now for some of the posts on here that I find some issues with. Not every team will offer you a spot on the spot....but many do.But they should let you know asap. Also looking for another team doesn't always mean you are unhappy where you are. My daughter loved her first team and never wanted to leave but when worried about team numbers we started to look and found a team that offered specific training for her position of choice.....

 

[default]

One more thing to coaches....be honest with the kids. If you are taking a girl as a center fielder tell her that.If she is going sit and play a limited amount tell her that. If a girl really wants to be on your team and you are honest with her it will make the season much better. Not coming out with your full intentions with a player can make for a loooooonnnngggg season.