Many, many freshmen are nervous as they are getting ready to try out for the high school or senior high school basketball teams. They know that they have to practice hard during the summer, but a lot of them don’t know where to start. If you are one of these people, DON’T PANIC! I have experienced the same thing my freshmen year, but found out the whole “tryout” thing is not as stressful as you might think.
Here are a few beginning tips:
• Never give up practicing, no matter how tough it might be.
• Go to a nearby gym at least 3 times a week to practice.
• Participate in a basketball team, either a recreational or select team to get that game experience.
• To help better improve your skills, go buy basketball dvds or go online to Youtube and look up pointers for improving your skills. (There are tons of these on the internet, and a lot of them actually help!)
• Do not become so stressed over one tryout. Relax and tell yourself to try your best.
• Try to get to know more people who are also playing basketball, so you can play with different kinds of people.
There are two important factors that might help you a lot:
• If you have the time, sign up for a basketball camp near your house. Usually these basketball camps are directed by a high school coach. Hey, it might even be a coach at your high school! Even if it is not, you can get tips for improving your game.
• Take the time to get to develop a better relationship with the coach, letting the coach know your personality and strengths.
Main things you will be doing during tryouts:
• Free Throws (you will usually get 10 tries)
• Layups
• Spot shooting
• Corner shooting
• 3-pointers
• Dribbling drills (behind-the-back, left/right hand dribble, crossover, between the legs etc.)
• Defensive slide
• Footwork
• Rebounding drills
• IMPORTANT PART: SCRIMMAGE- this determines how well you will do in a game time situation. Make smart decisions, don’t be a ball hog.
• Passing drills (over the head, bounce pass, one-hand pass, chest pass)
• Based on what position you play, you will also have to do drills centered on your position. (point guard, shooting guard, forward, center).
• Pivoting drills
• Running a mile or some type of conditioning
• Some schools will make you lift weights to make sure you are strong enough.
With all these tips in hand, you will surely be ready when tryout time comes around! Make sure you good sportsmanship at all times!
