Kristian Ferrell
Basketball tryouts can be a stressful experience, but there are many ways to prepare for them. Coaches will test your skills, athleticism, game action, and attention to detail. They will run drills to assess your shooting, dribbling, defence, passing, rebounding, and footwork. You will also be judged on your ability to play in a team, so it's important to show that you're a team player who can work with others and contribute to a winning environment. It's also important to be in good physical shape, as tryouts involve a lot of running. Finally, don't forget that your attitude is just as important as your skills—coaches want to see players who are willing to learn and give it their all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drills | Defensive drills, inbound drills, shooting drills, dribbling drills, layup drills, agility drills |
| Scrimmages | 5-on-5 basketball games |
| Physical attributes | Speed, jumping ability, endurance, core strength, leg power, upper body strength |
| Mental attributes | Work ethic, positive attitude, communication, sportsmanship, mental toughness, ability to take direction, learn and work in a team |
| Diet | High-quality complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, protein |
| Game IQ | Spacing, rotations, communications, decision-making, feel for the game, shot selection |
| Skills | Rebounding, passing, footwork, ball handling, shooting |
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What You'll Learn
Drills to test shooting, dribbling, defence, passing, and footwork
Shooting drills are designed to improve a player's ability to shoot accurately, often under pressure or fatigue. For example, a drill where players must shoot under pressure and, on a make, sprint to the other end of the floor to shoot a three-pointer. Missing this second shot means the player gets nothing, but making it earns a reward for their team. Another shooting drill involves players shooting while dribbling down and performing a handoff with a wing player, who then takes the shot or drives for the layup.
Dribbling drills can be stationary or game-based, with the latter being more effective as they simulate game conditions. An example of a game-based dribbling drill is Pirate Dribbling, which is a fun drill that motivates players and keeps them looking forward to practice.
Defensive drills focus on improving individual and team defence skills, as well as communication. For instance, the "Deny Flash" drill teaches defenders to deny offensive players access to the middle of the paint. Coaches will assess defensive fundamentals such as stance, posture, foot speed, defensive slides, and rotations during tryouts.
Passing drills can be interleaved, combining multiple skills to improve passing accuracy and decision-making. For instance, the "No Dribble 3v2 Continuous" drill helps players improve their passing and decision-making skills under pressure. Passing drills can also be game-based, such as "Bull in the Ring", which works on reading where the defence is and making good passes.
Footwork drills are essential for players to develop their mobility, balance, and precision. A basic footwork drill is the "jump stop", which helps players develop a wide base and improve their jumping awareness. Another fundamental footwork drill is the "U-Stance", which increases mobility in any direction and enhances jumping awareness for grabbing rebounds.
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Scrimmages and full-court games
Scrimmages are an opportunity for coaches to assess your overall game, including your ability to get open with and without the ball, your on- and off-the-ball defence, your scoring ability, and your decision-making in passing. They will also evaluate your "Basketball IQ," which refers to the mental aspect of the game, such as spacing, rotations, communication, and overall feel for the game.
During scrimmages, it's essential to showcase your communication skills. Be vocal on the court, calling out to your teammates and using phrases like "whose got shooter" when appropriate. This demonstrates confidence and leadership potential. Additionally, make sure to display great sportsmanship. Help your teammates up if they fall, and play hard but clean. Coaches want to see that you can be relied upon to maintain your composure and not hurt your team during crucial moments.
Full-court 5-on-5 games will also test your endurance and ability to perform under pressure. Coaches want to see players who are in good physical shape, as it demonstrates dedication and a willingness to improve over time. Make sure to arrive early to warm up properly, as first impressions are crucial. During the tryout, be prepared to sprint and showcase your athleticism.
Remember, scrimmages are a chance to showcase your skills in a game setting. Focus on playing to your strengths and showcasing your ability to work within a team dynamic. If you can dominate in scrimmages, you'll make a strong impression on the coaches and increase your chances of securing a spot on the team.
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Sportsmanship and attitude
First impressions are important. Introducing yourself to the coach before the tryout begins and showing up early can help you stand out and make a good first impression. During the tryout, it is important to remain well-mannered and positive, even if you make a mistake. Coaches want players who are willing to learn and put it all on the court, so make sure to display a strong work ethic and hustle during the tryout.
In addition to your individual performance, coaches will also be evaluating your attitude and interactions with your teammates. They want to see players who are team players and prioritize winning over personal glory. This includes celebrating your teammates' successes, encouraging them when they make a mistake, and helping them out during drills and scrimmages.
It is also important to avoid any negative behaviour that could hurt your team. For example, displaying good sportsmanship by helping players up if they fall and playing hard but clean basketball will show the coach that they can count on you during important moments in a game.
Finally, coaches want to see players who are coachable and willing to take direction. This includes listening to their instructions during drills and trying your best, even if you are not initially good at a particular skill. Showing that you are eager to learn and improve will leave a positive impression on the coach.
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Physical fitness and athleticism
Basketball is a physically demanding sport that requires players to be in excellent physical condition. Coaches seek out players who are in good shape, as this demonstrates dedication and a commitment to improving their game. Tryouts typically involve a lot of running, and you will be expected to perform various defensive and offensive drills, as well as full-court games. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are physically prepared and in good cardiovascular shape before the tryout. Focus on building your core strength, leg power, and upper body endurance. Develop your agility with drills that involve quick directional changes, which will help you evade defenders during a game.
In addition to physical fitness, athleticism is also key. Coaches will be looking at how you use your athleticism and skills together. For example, if you are quick, do you also have control of the ball when you dribble? They will also be assessing your basketball IQ, which refers to your understanding of the game and how well you can apply your skills in a live game situation.
To stand out at tryouts, ensure you are well-rested and properly warmed up before playing, so you can perform at your best from the start. Show your dedication by sprinting, rather than walking or jogging, when the coach calls everyone in at the beginning. During tryouts, demonstrate your athleticism and skills, but also remember that coaches value players who are team players and show good sportsmanship. Help your fellow players up if they fall, and play hard but clean. Show that you are a positive influence on the team, and be willing to learn and take direction from the coach.
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Game IQ and coachability
Basketball is a team sport, and coaches value players who contribute to a winning environment. During tryouts, coaches will assess your "Basketball IQ", which refers to the mental side of the game. This includes things like spacing, rotations, communications, decision-making, and overall feel for the game.
To demonstrate a high basketball IQ, it's important to show that you can transfer your skills to game situations. Coaches will want to see how you perform in typical basketball scenarios, both on offense and defense, including one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-two fast breaks, and two-on-two fast breaks. They will also assess your ability to get open with and without the ball, your on- and off-the-ball defense, your ability to score, and your ability to make the right pass in a given situation.
In addition to your skills and game IQ, coaches will also be evaluating your coachability and how you treat your teammates. A coachable player is someone who listens to directions, asks questions, and tries even if they aren't immediately good at something. They are also willing to learn and put it all on the court, showing hustle and grit. During team practices, celebrate your teammates' successes with high fives, hustle back on defense to help them rebound, and offer positive encouragement if they miss a shot. Coaches will notice if you are a team player who prioritizes winning over personal glory.
First impressions are important, so be sure to introduce yourself to the coach before the tryout and stand out by sprinting directly to them when they call everyone in. Show that you care by arriving early, and make sure to warm up beforehand so you are playing your best from the start. During the tryout, focus on your fundamentals, play hard, and maintain a positive attitude even if you make a mistake. Remember, coaches want players with a strong work ethic who are willing to go through drills and improve their skill sets.
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Frequently asked questions
Tryouts can be stressful and will challenge you both physically and mentally. Expect to run drills that test your shooting, dribbling, defence and rebounding skills. You may also be asked to run through offensive or defensive plays, and play in a scrimmage.
It's important to be physically prepared for a tryout. Make sure you're in good shape and have been working on your conditioning. You should also be prepared to showcase your strengths, such as your ability to move off the ball or play one-on-one defence.
Coaches value players with a good attitude and a willingness to learn and work together as a team. They will also be looking for players with good basketball IQ, including an understanding of spacing, rotations, communication and decision-making.
