Football tryouts success guide: 10 proven tips to make the team this season

I still remember my first football tryouts like it was yesterday—the nervous energy in the air, the way my cleats felt unfamiliar on the fresh grass, and that sinking feeling watching dozens of other players who all wanted the same spot I did. Having now been through multiple seasons both as a player and helping coaches evaluate talent, I've come to realize there's a science to standing out during tryouts that goes beyond raw skill alone. That quote from Valdez about implementing practice strategies during counter attacks perfectly captures what separates those who make the team from those who don't—it's not just about having skills, but knowing how to apply them under pressure when it matters most.

What many players don't understand is that coaches are evaluating far more than just your technical abilities. They're watching how you interact with teammates during water breaks, how you respond to mistakes, whether you're the first to collect cones after drills. I've seen incredibly skilled players get cut because they displayed poor attitude, while less technically gifted players made the team because they demonstrated coachability and positive body language throughout the tryout process. During my most recent evaluation period, I specifically noted how one player consistently encouraged others after failed attempts—that kind of intangible quality often weighs as heavily as physical performance.

Let's talk about preparation, because showing up ready separates contenders from the rest immediately. I recommend beginning specific tryout preparation at least six weeks beforehand, with the first two weeks focused on building your fitness base. The reality is that approximately 68% of players arrive at tryouts underprepared physically, which immediately puts them at a disadvantage. I personally spend the final three weeks before tryouts replicating game conditions during training—something Valdez touched on when discussing implementing practice strategies during actual gameplay. There's no substitute for match-realistic drills, particularly working on transitions between offense and defense where coaches often spot technical deficiencies.

Nutrition plays a bigger role than most athletes acknowledge, and I've developed very strong opinions about this over the years. The 48 hours before tryouts are critical—I always increase my carbohydrate intake to about 4.5 grams per pound of body weight during this window, while staying meticulously hydrated with electrolyte solutions. On tryout day itself, I eat my final meal exactly three hours before start time, always including familiar foods that won't cause digestive issues. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after a disastrous tryout session where I experimented with a new energy supplement that left me feeling nauseated throughout drills.

Mental preparation might be the most overlooked aspect, which is surprising given how much of football success stems from decision-making under pressure. I developed a specific visualization routine that I complete the night before tryouts, mentally rehearsing various scenarios I might encounter—exactly what Valdez described when talking about implementing practiced strategies during counter attacks. This mental rehearsal creates neural pathways that make your responses more automatic during actual play. I also arrive at the field 45 minutes early to acclimatize, going through a personalized warm-up routine that gets me both physically and mentally ready.

During the tryout itself, understanding what coaches are looking for in each drill is crucial. When we're running possession exercises, coaches aren't just watching technical ability—they're evaluating your spatial awareness, communication, and decision-making speed. In one particularly memorable evaluation session, I noticed a player who consistently made the simple, effective pass rather than attempting flashy through-balls that frequently turned over possession. That player made the team over more technically gifted counterparts because they understood the context of each drill. Similarly, during small-sided games, coaches watch how you apply tactical instructions—whether you adapt when they tweak the rules or formation.

The social dynamics of tryouts present another layer that many players underestimate. I make a conscious effort to learn names quickly and communicate positively throughout sessions. Not in an artificial, overwhelming way—just clear, constructive communication that helps the team function better. I've observed that players who consistently call for the ball and provide directional cues subconsciously register as more engaged and aware to coaches evaluating from the sidelines. This doesn't mean you should be shouting constantly, but purposeful communication definitely gets noticed.

When mistakes inevitably happen—and they will—your response tells coaches everything about your resilience and coachability. Early in my career, I'd get visibly frustrated with myself after poor touches or missed passes, until a seasoned coach pulled me aside and explained that how you recover matters more than the mistake itself. Now, I have a immediate reset routine—a deep breath, touching my shin guards, and refocusing—that takes mere seconds but demonstrates mental fortitude. Coaches would rather work with players who can quickly move past errors than those who dwell on mistakes and let them affect subsequent plays.

The final aspect I want to emphasize is something I call "coachable moments"—those instances when you have direct interaction with coaching staff. When receiving feedback, maintain eye contact and avoid the temptation to explain why you did what you did. Instead, I simply acknowledge the instruction with a nod or "got it" and immediately implement the suggestion during the next opportunity. This demonstrates both respect and your ability to apply coaching in real-time, which is ultimately what every team needs from its players. I've seen this single behavior change final roster decisions more times than I can count.

Looking back at all my tryout experiences, the common thread among successful candidates isn't necessarily being the most talented player on the field. It's the combination of preparation, mindset, and the ability to translate practice into performance—exactly what Valdez highlighted about implementing training during actual game situations. The players who make teams are those who understand that tryouts begin long before they step onto the field and extend beyond physical performance to include mental readiness, social intelligence, and demonstrated coachability. Focus on these elements alongside your technical development, and you'll dramatically increase your chances of hearing your name when the final roster is announced.