Ayrton Oneill
Conducting basketball tryouts at the high school level can be challenging for coaches, who must balance being fair and unbiased while evaluating a wide range of skills and talents. Tryouts typically span multiple days, with players being cut after each day. The first day is usually an opportunity to weed out the least skilled players, with subsequent days becoming more competitive. Tryouts often begin with a warm-up and basic drills, progressing to more advanced drills and small-sided games to assess players' decision-making skills and basketball IQ. While athleticism is important, coaches also value players who demonstrate great sportsmanship, effective communication, and the ability to apply their skills in a live game setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Schools may have 40 or more players trying out. |
| Number of tryout days | Multiple days, with people getting cut after each day. For boys, there will be at least 3 days/rounds. |
| First day | Used to weed out the worst players. |
| Warm-up | Running laps around the gym. |
| Drills | Full-court lay-up lines from both the right and left sides, 1-on-1 drills, ball-handling drills, shooting drills, inbound drills, transition drills, 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 play. |
| Selection process | The coach may need to run a "tryout/team selection process" to reduce the total number of players. |
| Player assessment | Player assessment items can be used to justify who made the team and who did not. |
| Cuts | The first round of cuts may be done by posting a list. The second and final round of cuts are more easily done with a meeting. |
| Notes | Taking notes during tryouts can help with learning players' names and remembering areas they performed well or poorly in. |
| Politics | In competitive districts, politics play a big role in tryouts. The coach may already have 4-7 kids in mind for the team. |
| Skills | Skills are important, but athleticism is a very close second. |
| Basketball IQ | Important to see if a player can take their skills and athleticism and apply them in a live game. |
| Communication | Communicating early, loud, and often can help elevate you in the eyes of the coaches. |
| Sportsmanship | Coaches want to see players helping others and playing hard but clean basketball. |
| Punctuality | Arriving early shows the coach that you care and that you can be depended on to show up on time. |
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What You'll Learn
Drills and exercises
Types of Drills:
- Transition Drills: These drills evaluate players' decision-making skills in game-like situations. They can involve small game groups, such as 3-on-3 or 2-on-2 scenarios, making it harder for players to "hide" their strengths or weaknesses.
- Station Work: This setup allows players to rotate through different stations, each focusing on specific skills such as ball handling, form shooting, and free throws. It gives coaches a glimpse of each player's skill level and their ability to perform under pressure.
- Inbound Drills: Inbound situations are crucial for coaches to observe as they showcase players' ability to execute plays and make quick decisions.
- Ball Handling Drills: Evaluating players' ball control and dribbling skills is essential. While flashy moves might impress peers, coaches look for effective ball handling that demonstrates control and an understanding of the game.
- Shooting Drills: Assessing players' shooting form and accuracy is fundamental in tryouts. Coaches will look for players who can consistently make shots from various distances and angles.
- Defensive Drills: Putting players in 1v1 or small-sided game situations (3v3, 4v4) allows coaches to evaluate their defensive skills and basketball IQ. These drills help identify players who can effectively guard their opponents and make timely defensive plays.
Additional Exercises:
- Warm-up Laps: Tryouts often start with a warm-up routine, such as running laps around the gym, to get players' hearts pumping and prepare them for the upcoming drills.
- Communication Exercises: While not exactly a drill, encouraging players to communicate early, loud, and often can help coaches identify those who understand the importance of communication in basketball. It also showcases their ability to work as a team.
- Rebounding and Hustle Plays: Coaches will likely observe players' reactions to loose balls, rebounds, and hustle plays. Diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds, and setting screens demonstrate toughness and a strong basketball IQ.
Remember, the specific drills and exercises selected will depend on the type of team you aim to build and the skills you prioritize. It is essential to create a balanced tryout process that evaluates players' technical abilities, tactical understanding, and physical attributes.
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Player assessment
Drills and Stations:
Implement a variety of drills and stations to evaluate different skills and aspects of the game. These can include ball-handling drills, shooting drills, inbound drills, and transition drills. Small-sided games, such as 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3, or even 4-on-4 situations, are excellent for observing players' decision-making abilities, basketball IQ, and how they apply their skills and athleticism in a live game setting.
Athleticism and Skills:
When evaluating players, consider their athleticism and skills together. Look for players with speed, quickness, high vertical leap, and ball-handling abilities. However, also assess how they utilize their athleticism effectively with skills like dribbling and shooting.
Communication and Sportsmanship:
Observe players who actively communicate on the court. Those who communicate early, loud, and often, like calling for screens or announcing their presence, tend to stand out to coaches. Additionally, look for players who exhibit good sportsmanship by helping their teammates up, playing clean basketball, and reacting positively to mistakes.
Hustle and Coachability:
Players who demonstrate hustle and a strong work ethic are valuable. Look for those who dive for loose balls, pursue rebounds, and consistently give their best effort. During the tryouts, also assess coachability by observing players' willingness to learn and follow instructions.
Player Evaluation Notes:
Keep detailed notes on each player's performance throughout the tryout period. Note their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their overall attitude and improvement. These notes will help you make informed decisions when selecting the final team roster.
Remember, the tryout process is about evaluating a wide range of talent, from beginners to experienced players. Be prepared to assess players' skills, athleticism, decision-making, and overall potential to contribute to the team.
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Team selection
Drills and Evaluation:
Designing effective drills is essential for assessing players' skills and abilities. These drills should cover various aspects of the game, such as ball handling, shooting, defence, and offensive strategies. Higher-level transition drills can evaluate decision-making skills, while small-sided games like 3v3 or 4v4 can showcase players' basketball IQ and ability to apply their skills in live game situations. Station work is also beneficial, allowing coaches to observe players' skill levels in areas like ball handling, form shooting, and free throws.
Number of Players:
The number of players selected for the team may vary depending on the level of competition. At the youth and middle school levels, larger team sizes encourage participation. In contrast, junior varsity and varsity levels may opt for smaller rosters to focus more intently on player development and success.
Cuts and Communication:
Handling cuts and communicating information to players is vital for the team's reputation and the individual growth of the players. It's important to be transparent and provide feedback to those who are cut, encouraging them to continue improving and trying out again. Meeting individually with players, especially in the final round of cuts, shows respect for their efforts and helps deliver more personalised evaluations.
Athleticism and Skills:
While skills are paramount, athleticism is a very close second. Coaches should look for players who possess both athletic abilities and the capacity to utilise their athleticism effectively in a basketball context. This includes observing how players move on the court, their speed, agility, and how they apply their athletic advantages to enhance their skills.
Intangibles:
Beyond raw skills and athleticism, coaches should pay attention to intangibles like communication, hustle, and sportsmanship. Players who communicate early, loud, and often stand out to coaches. Those who dive for loose balls, go for rebounds, and display a strong work ethic are often more coachable and contribute to a positive team culture. Players who exhibit good sportsmanship and help their teammates show they can be depended upon and won't hurt the team.
Ultimately, the team selection process is about finding the right mix of talent, character, and potential to create a cohesive and competitive basketball team.
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Coach's expectations
A coach's expectations during high school basketball tryouts can vary depending on the level of competition and the specific goals they have for their team. However, there are some consistent expectations and selection criteria that coaches often look for when evaluating players.
Firstly, coaches seek to assess a wide range of talent, from inexperienced players to seasoned athletes. They aim to identify players with strong athletic abilities, such as speed and leaping prowess, but they also value how individuals utilize their athleticism effectively in conjunction with their basketball skills. This includes ball control, dribbling, and an understanding of the game, often referred to as "basketball IQ." Small-sided games, such as 3v3 or 4v4, are excellent evaluative tools for coaches to gauge players' abilities in a live game setting.
Additionally, coaches look beyond just the technical skills. They value players who demonstrate great sportsmanship, helping their teammates up and playing with intensity but also maintaining a clean, fair style of play. This indicates to coaches that a player is dependable and won't negatively impact the team during crucial moments. Arriving early and warming up appropriately are also simple ways to make a good first impression and show dedication.
Communication is another key aspect that coaches look for. They want players who are vocal on the court, calling out plays and coordinating with their teammates. This showcases a player's ability to think strategically and work collaboratively. It's also beneficial for players to communicate directly with the coaches before and during tryouts. Showing interest and enthusiasm can elevate a player in the coach's eyes, indicating their commitment to the team's success.
Finally, coaches often design tryouts with specific drills and stations to evaluate different skills. These may include ball handling, shooting, inbound drills, and transition drills to assess decision-making abilities. Coaches may also look for players who can execute the plays and drills effectively, demonstrating their coachability and ability to follow instructions.
While the selection process can be challenging, coaches strive to be fair and unbiased, giving every player a chance to showcase their talents and contribute to a successful team.
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Player communication
Communication is a key aspect of basketball, and it is important to assess a player's ability to communicate during tryouts. Tryouts are a great opportunity for coaches to evaluate a player's communication skills and their ability to work with others.
Communication can be assessed through various drills and exercises. For example, 3-on-3 or 2-on-2 drills can showcase a player's ability to communicate and work with their teammates in a small group setting. These drills also allow coaches to observe players' decision-making skills and their ability to execute plays effectively.
Additionally, players should be encouraged to communicate with the coaches before, during, and after tryouts. This demonstrates their enthusiasm and commitment to the team. It also provides an opportunity for coaches to get to know the players better and evaluate their passion for the sport.
When conducting tryouts, it is important to remember that effective communication is a two-way street. Coaches should clearly explain the tryout process, the criteria for selection, and the expectations from the players. This transparency helps players understand what they need to focus on and improves their overall experience.
Finally, coaches should provide constructive feedback to all players, regardless of whether they make the team or not. This feedback can help players identify their strengths and areas for improvement, motivating them to work harder and develop their skills further. Effective communication of feedback also showcases the coaches' investment in the players' growth and can positively impact the reputation of the basketball program.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips for students trying out for a high school basketball team:
- Hustle and show your dedication to the game.
- Communicate with your teammates and coaches.
- Show off your athleticism and skills, especially in small-sided games.
- Be early and warm up before playing.
- Stand out by doing something positive that showcases your strengths.
- Avoid flashy moves that do not impress coaches.
- Show good sportsmanship by helping your teammates and playing clean basketball.
Here are some tips for coaches conducting high school basketball tryouts:
- Prepare a variety of drills and stations to evaluate the players' skills and talent.
- Be fair and unbiased in your evaluation, considering factors like athleticism, basketball IQ, and decision-making skills.
- Keep notes during the tryouts to track players' performance and learn their names.
- Handle cuts and communicate information sensitively, considering the impact on the students' growth and development.
- Decide on the type of team you want to build and select drills accordingly.
- Consider using a multi-day tryout process to progressively narrow down the roster.
Students are evaluated during high school basketball tryouts through a combination of drills, stations, and small-sided games. Coaches assess their athleticism, skills, and basketball IQ. The tryouts may be conducted over multiple days, with each day increasing in competitiveness until the final roster is selected. The first day typically involves basic drills like warm-ups and full-court layup lines, while subsequent days focus on specific skills and drills like inbound drills, ball-handling, and shooting.
The purpose of high school basketball tryouts is to select a team of players who will represent the school in competitive games. The tryouts aim to identify students with the necessary skills, athleticism, and teamwork abilities to form a successful team. While the number of players selected may vary depending on the level (youth, junior varsity, or varsity), the tryouts provide an opportunity for coaches to assess a wide range of talent and make informed decisions about team composition.
