How to Make the High School Team

With the coming of November, many basketball players turn their thoughts to making the high school basketball team. Hopefully, these same prospects have been conditioning and practicing during October (or longer) and are in peak shape and ready for the rigors of try-outs. Before showing up to that first practice, prospects might first consider what coaches look for in players.

What Coaches Look For In Potential Players:

1. Athletic Ability:
Quickness, Jumping Ability, Smooth Movements.

2. Size:
Present Height, Parent's Height, Older Sibling's Height.

3. Shooting Ability:
Lay-Ups, Free Throws, Mid-Range and Three Point Shooting.

4. Hustle:
Rebounding, Defense, Playing Hard, Practicing Hard.

5. Reliability:
On Time, Good Grades, Listens Well.

Lacking in one or two of the above will make it difficult for anyone to make a good team. Lacking in more than two areas will certainly doom a player from the beginning. As a potential team member, YOU can control two of the five things listed above very easily. Hustle and Reliability are strictly up to you. YOU choose to be someone a coach can count on and YOU control just how hard you play. There are NO excuses for getting cut from a team when it comes to Hustle and Reliability.

Your next best chance of controlling your own destiny is to practice shooting and become a player who can put the ball in the basket. While hustle and playing hard will make you stand out, being able to score when called upon is another trait that will open any coach's eyes.

The two areas that a player has the least control over are Athletic Ability and Size. These are usually genetic or God-given qualities that you must either take advantage of or overcome. Take advantage of size with hustle, shooting ability, and reliability. The same can be said for athletic ability. To overcome shortness, slowness, or poor coordination, you will need to stand out in other ways, and again, these ways include Hustle, Shooting, and Reliability.

To Look Good In Tryouts:

1. Listen.
Keep eye contact with coaches when they talk.

2. Always Hustle
Never be caught “dogging it”.

3. Cut Turnovers.
Make good decisions with the ball.

4. Shoot Well.
Don't shoot shots you can't make at a high percentage.

5. Be in Shape.
A tired player makes poor decisions and shoots below his average.

In the final analysis, basketball tryouts do not start in November. You need to work year-around to be a Reliable Person, a Hustler, and a Good Shooter. If you possess those three qualities, your chances for making the team will be pretty good.

Good Luck to all in your efforts to make the team and have a successful basketball season.

YOU choose to be someone a coach can count on and YOU control just how hard you play. There are NO excuses for getting cut from a team when it comes to Hustle and Reliability.

Links

How to Make the High School Team 

Goal Setting

Vertical Question

Player Development

Conditioning

Weight Training

The Daily Four

Off Season Improvement

Fall Conditioning