Tuesday, October 22, 2019

More on Tryouts, We Are Always Being Judged



Be enthusiastic. With a new group, I ask the girls to sit on the baseline. "I need a volunteer." I expect someone to be UP, shot out of a cannon, when they hear the first syllable of volunteer. Do you want the job or do you need the job? 

 Listen. Following directions demands attention. Failing to pay attention and know your assignment lets down your teammates, loses games, loses championships. We have all seen unawareness beat teams. 
Prepare. The tryout starts long before you walk in the door with your picture, your number, or your resume. You're not competing for the track team, but you have to be in shape. Prepare every day to become tomorrow's better version. 

"It's always showtime." My daughter said she walked 'tall' into a gym, head up, letting everyone know the best player in the gym arrived. She didn't say that she was the best, but that was her intent. Habits start early. 

She 'anticipated' the studies of Amy Cuddy about body language and success. 

"Presence is real." Whether you're trying out for a travel team or Broadway, have a strategy. Be intentional. Have a plan to present yourself. 

 Be professional. What does that mean for a thirteen year-old? 
  • Be early, be fired up and ready to go when the bell rings.** 
  • Be polite. "Yes, Coach" or "I'm not sure what that means, Coach." 
  • Connect. Make eye contact. Have a firm handshake. 
**I understand, young teens depend on someone else's transportation. 

Play the long game. Today's audition could land you 'the big job' later. A sixth-grader who tried out in 2010, now studies in her third year at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. She carried the laminated Wooden Pyramid of Success in her gym bag every day.

"Look for the victory." Find something positive. You took the warmup lap and didn't cut a corner. Small victory. You boxed out the bigger player. Another small win. As Coach Wooden remarked, "little things make big things happen." 

Lagniappe: Focus on footwork.
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