“The maddening thing for someone with a Western scientific turn of mind is that it’s not what’s in your pack that separates the quick from the dead. It’s not even what’s in your mind. Corny as it sounds, it’s what’s in your heart.”
― Laurence Gonzales, Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why: Who Lives, Who Dies and Why
Do you want to survive tryouts? How will you show the coaches and your potential teammates that you belong?
1. Radiate purpose...specifically, how do you impact the game (offense, defense, rebounding, energy)? If you don't have some combination of size, athleticism, and ability, "what is your skill?" Defense is a skill. Grinding is a skill.
2. Make your teammates better. Scoring speaks for itself. But communication, moving without the ball, setting screens, spacing the floor, blocking out, providing energy, taking charges, being able to help your teammates without the ball informs them that you understand the process. Make good decisions and limit mistakes.
3. BE coachable. Listen and follow instructions. Show attention and awareness. Practice with high tempo. Be fired up and ready to go, be "into it," demonstrating that basketball is important to you. I measure engagement during tryouts by asking for a volunteer for a drill. By the time "I need a volunteer" is heard, somebody has got to spring up. I respect your time. Respect everyone's time.
4. Differentiate yourself. Show us the WHY. Are you here because your parents want you to play, or because of your drive, the intangible blend of AUTONOMY, MASTERY, and PURPOSE in life? Basketball is a game demanding individual excellence within a framework of constant sacrifice. We had a sixth grade girl show up with earrings, eye shadow, makeup and designer gear. My daughter asked me, "is this supermodel practice?"
5. Have energy. Find a way to play under control "with your hair on fire." Don't cut corners. I ask players to take a couple of laps just to SEE WHO CUTS CORNERS. There's no shortcut to success. Bring energy and energize your teammates. You can lead even if you're young. Show the game some love.