Lets talk tryouts, Reader.
I was at the park the other day, watching a group of kids try to conquer the jungle gym. One kid, who must have been around seven or eight, approached the highest bar with a determined look. But as he reached up, his hand hesitated just before grabbing it. You could see his mind racing: “What if I fall?” “What if I can’t do it?” After a few moments, he backed away, choosing a lower rung instead. His friend, who had seen him hesitate, walked over and said, "You’ll never know unless you try." The kid, still unsure, took a deep breath, reached for the highest bar again, and this time, he gripped it with confidence.
And it got me thinking...
Tryouts are coming up, and for many athletes, that means a mix of excitement and anxiety. It’s easy to get caught up in the what-ifs: What if I don’t make the team? What if I mess up my performance? Those thoughts can quickly spiral, making the road to tryouts feel daunting instead of exciting. But the truth is, the work we put in before tryouts plays a huge role in how we feel when the big day finally arrives.
If you’re gearing up for tryouts and finding yourself battling nerves and self-doubt, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many athletes face the same challenges, but the good news is you can prepare in ways that make a huge difference in managing anxiety and setting yourself up for success. Here’s how you can get ready:
1. Prepare Your Mindset
One of the biggest things athletes overlook when preparing for tryouts is their mental game. We focus so much on the physical side, skills, drills, and conditioning that we forget about how much our mindset impacts our performance. Tryouts are as much about how you handle pressure as what you can do on the field or court.
To mentally prepare, practice reframing your thoughts. Instead of thinking, What if I fail? try telling yourself, What if I succeed? Challenge the negative “what-ifs” and replace them with positive possibilities. Visualize yourself performing confidently, handling challenges with ease, and staying calm under pressure. When you have a strong mental foundation, it’s easier to handle the nerves when tryouts finally come.
2. Simulate the Tryout Environment
Nothing beats preparation like practice, and the more you can replicate the tryout experience beforehand, the better. This isn’t just about practicing your skills, but about getting used to the intensity of tryouts: that level of competition.
Find a way to simulate the pressure you might face on tryout day. If you know there will be multiple drills in a short amount of time, set up a similar challenge for yourself. Have someone time you during a mock practice to add an element of stress. The more you practice under pressure, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel when the real thing comes around.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
Tryouts can sometimes feel like a game of chance, with coaches making decisions based on things outside your control. The uncertainty of it all can create anxiety. But the key to reducing that stress is to focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort, and your preparation.
Before tryouts, make a checklist of things you can control. Whether it’s getting enough sleep the night before, fueling your body with the right foods, or getting your gear ready in advance, these are simple actions you can take to feel more prepared. The more you prepare, the less you'll focus on the “what ifs” and more on the “I’m ready for this.”
4. Take Care of Your Body
Physical preparation is just as important as mental prep. A well-rested, well-fueled body performs better than one that’s tired or sluggish. As you approach tryouts, focus on getting consistent sleep, eating balanced meals, and staying hydrated. It’s easy to overlook, but the basics matter: you want to be sharp, energized, and in peak condition when the day arrives.
Also, incorporate flexibility and mobility exercises into your routine. They’ll help prevent injury, keep you feeling loose, and boost your overall performance. The more you focus on your physical well-being, the less you’ll have to worry about feeling sluggish or stiff during tryouts.
5. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Anxiety often stems from feeling out of control. One of the best ways to calm your nerves is to practice relaxation techniques regularly before tryouts. This could be something as simple as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.
Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on relaxing your body and calming your mind. Try visualizing your best performance, breathing deeply, and clearing your head. Doing this will help you create a sense of calm and confidence that will carry you through the uncertainty of tryouts.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Sometimes, the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming. Setting realistic, achievable goals for yourself during tryouts can help keep things in perspective. Instead of putting all the weight on making the team, focus on small, controllable goals like giving 100% effort or staying calm and focused during each drill. This way, you’ll feel successful no matter the outcome.
7. Build Confidence Through Small Wins
Leading up to tryouts, look for opportunities to build your confidence. This could be nailing a skill you’ve been working on, completing a tough workout, or getting positive feedback from your coach. These small wins are crucial to boosting your self-belief and proving to yourself that you’re capable.
The Bottom Line
Preparing for tryouts isn’t just about physical readiness; it’s about mentally gearing up for the challenge ahead. By focusing on what you can control, getting your body and mind in peak condition, and setting realistic goals, you can reduce the pressure and step into tryouts with confidence. And remember: no matter what happens, the effort you put in now will pay off later, whether or not you make the team.
Quick Note About Our Summer Mental Skills Boot Camp
As we gear up for the summer, it’s a great time to focus on building mental resilience and skills for the upcoming season. My Mental Skills Boot Camp offers athletes the tools to handle pressure, build confidence, and perform at their best, whether it’s for tryouts, competitions, or any challenge that comes their way. If you're looking to boost your mental game this summer, I’d love for you to join us! Learn more at: https://dmick.click/bc25kit