Tryouts heighten your senses. The blind hear the energy and the deaf see and feel it. Talk, squeaky shoes, and words of encouragement echo through the gym. Feel the thunder on hardwood maple. The smells of perspiration, iodine, and bleach scream "it's on."
Embrace standing out during tryouts. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Separate yourself from the crowd with size, athleticism, skill, attitude. Years ago, a tall girl showed up at sixth grade tryouts with 'rainbow socks'. She made the team.
There is no cutting corners. Ever. Excellence has no shortcut.
Learn the lessons of reality television. Hosts and successful entrants connect with the audience. When you step on the court, sell yourself through energy, skill, and difference making.
See the experience from the audience perspective as well. Differentiate yourself. Jay Bilas writes in Toughness, "Get on the floor." I heard of one coach who awards the floor polishing award. My girls show special effort when I see two dive for a loose ball.
Sit all the candidates on the baseline and say, "I need a volunteer." Someone has to be up like cannon shot when they hear the first syllable of VOL-unteer. That shows listening, purpose, and total engagement. Be that guy.
Your tryout is your signature. I was at a funeral not long ago, and a young man eulogized his uncle, a craftsman. The youth had worked in a crawl space where the boss couldn't see. His uncle asked, "would you sign your work?" That's the purpose and commitment you need each play. Proudly sign your work.
There is no such thing as a 50-50 ball. Run every drill as though it's your last chance. Sometimes it is.
