Welcome to a new baseball season! Try-outs can be tough and intimidating, so here are a few do's and don'ts for you to practice and to help cope with the pressure of evaluations.
Do's:
1) Do be sure you know the times and locations of all the tryouts. Know how many you are required to attend and plan to be at as many as possible. The better the coaches know you, the better your chances will be.
2) Do make sure you work-out several days before try-outs begin. The biggest mistake that is made is players show up to try-outs unprepared. Working-out before gets your body and your glove loose and ready to play.
3) Do wear something distinctive like a yellow shirt or a blue hat. Coaches have an easier time keeping track of players when they stand out.
4) Do bring lots of energy to try-outs and stay focused while you are there. Coaches like players who pay attention and aren't always distracted. They especially like players who do not have to be told things more than once. Being 'coachable' is an asset to you. Make sure you always run between stations. Jog on and off the field, and when the coaches call you over. Never walk on the ball field.
5) Do stay positive. Baseball is a game of mistakes, hitting .300 is a great average, and that's only hitting 3 out of 10 baseballs! You will miss a ground ball or two or lose a fly ball in the sun. The coach is also evaluating how you handle these situations, and how you pick up your team mates when they make a mistake. That's why you are coming to more than one try-out, because everyone has bad days.
Don'ts:
1) Don't arrive late. It is not a good way to make an impression on your future coaches. Make sure to be there at least 15min early.
2) Don't talk too much when you should be listening or focusing on a drill. By goofing around at try-outs you are telling your coach you are going to goof around at practice. Coaches do not appreciate having to compete with players for attention.
3) Don't brag about your talents or accomplishments and don't make excuses for your mistakes. If you miss a grounder, hustle after it and get ready for another one. Show the coach you have a positive, mature attitude. Don't walk or look lazy, make sure to always hustle!
4) Don't swing for the fences, or try to make unnecessary spectacular plays. Show good mechanics, and listen to the advice the coaches give you. In batting practice you are looking for solid contact. Line-drives and hard ground balls get runners on base and score runs. A big swing usually ends in a lazy fly-ball out, especially at Blue Mountain Park. In the field, make sure you can make the catch, get set and make a good strong throw. Don't try to hurry it, or throw off balance, you'll end up throwing off line.
5) Don't worry about your performance. Try to keep relaxed and remember that baseball is fun! You will end up on whichever team the coaches feel you will have the most success at.
