Baseball tryouts: How to impress the coach

Will you be trying out for a baseball team this spring? Do you have what it takes to impress the coach?

If you're like most baseball players, particularly those who live in northern states, school baseball tryouts are right around the corner. But even if they're a few weeks off, it's important to start thinking about them. (I'm sure most of you already are doing this.)

The key to making a good impression on a coach is showing up to the tryout with a good attitude. Hustle, look the coach straight in the eye when he's addressing you, and don't goof around with friends.

First impressions generally are made within the first few seconds of meeting someone ­ and "looks" are important, so dress the part. No jeans. No cutoff shorts. Remember: you're a baseball player. Wear baseball pants and spikes (if you're going to be trying out outside), and always wear your hat forward. Rock your cap backwards at the mall, not at the baseball field.

Of course, your preparation leading up to the tryout is as important as the tryout itself. You should be throwing on a daily basis in the weeks before the big day. Try to progress to throwing bullpens off the mound, too. It'll give you an edge over hitters. Make sure you're working on your conditioning, too. Most tryouts consist of a lot of running because coaches use this as a barometer to gauge your level of fitness. Be ready for it. Ask an upperclassman for tips on what types of running to do. If you're not sure what to expect, sprintwork (short-distance running) is the best type of running to practice. But mix in a couple of longer runs a week, too, and you should be is good shape.

At the tryout, control only what you can control, and don't waste your time worrying about the rest. Look, you can't control the weather or "when" your coach will give you the opportunity to pitch. All you can control is what you do when you do get the ball to pitch, so make the most of it. Show him what you got. Relax, have fun, and go get Œem!

Comments

[Danny Avalos]

What if u Wear shorts for try outs is it that bad

[BOB]

NEVER WEAR SHORTS!!!! My coach automatically cut most of the players at ryouts because they wore shorts. Don't do it!