Preparing Your Child for Soccer Tryouts

Tryouts can be stressful for young players and parents alike. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare your child physically, mentally, and tactically for a successful tryout experience.

Timeline: 4-6 Weeks Before

Physical Preparation

Fitness Foundation:

• Gradual increase in running (2-3 times per week)
• Mix of distance running and sprint work
• Basic agility exercises
• Core strength exercises

Sample Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Technical skills practice (30 min)
• Wednesday: Fitness (20 min run + agility)
• Friday: Ball work and shooting (30 min)
• Weekend: Pickup game or scrimmage

Technical Skills to Polish

Focus on fundamentals that coaches watch for:

Ball Control:

• First touch (receiving passes cleanly)
• Close control dribbling
• Turning with the ball

Passing:

• Accuracy with both feet
• Proper weight on passes
• Quick decision-making

Shooting:

• Technique over power
• Accuracy on target
• Shooting with both feet

Defensive Skills:

• 1v1 defending
• Proper positioning
• Winning 50/50 balls

1-2 Weeks Before

Mental Preparation

Building Confidence:

• Review what they do well
• Watch professional games together
• Visualize successful tryout scenarios
• Discuss that effort matters more than results

Managing Expectations:

• Explain that tryouts are competitive
• Discuss that not making the team doesn't define them
• Emphasize doing their best
• Talk about backup plans if needed

Tactical Understanding

What Coaches Look For:

• Soccer IQ (reading the game)
• Work rate and hustle
• Coachability and attitude
• Teamwork and communication
• Technical ability

Key Concepts to Review:

• Basic positions and responsibilities
• When to pass vs. dribble
• Defensive positioning
• Communication on field
• Supporting teammates

The Week Before

Physical Prep

• Reduce intense training (avoid injury)
• Focus on touch and technique
• Stay active but don't overdo it
• Get adequate sleep
• Eat well and stay hydrated

Practical Preparation

Gather Equipment:

• Properly fitting cleats (broken in!)
• Shin guards
• Water bottle
• Appropriate clothing for weather
• Ball for warm-up
• Backup pair of socks

Know the Details:

• Exact tryout location and time
• What to bring
• Duration of session
• Number of sessions
• Any special requirements

Tryout Day

Before You Arrive

Physical Readiness:

• Good breakfast (2-3 hours before)
• Arrive 20-30 minutes early
• Proper hydration
• Light snack if needed

Mental State:

• Positive encouragement (not pressure)
• Remind them to have fun
• "Do your best and compete"
• Calm and relaxed atmosphere

During Tryouts

What Your Child Should Do:

• Arrive early and warm up properly
• Communicate loudly and positively
• Hustle on every play
• Support teammates
• Listen to coaches
• Stay positive after mistakes
• Show good sportsmanship
• Be coachable
• Play their game (don't try to be someone else)

What Parents Should Do:

• Stay in designated parent areas
• Avoid coaching from sidelines
• Show positive support
• Let coaches do their job
• Avoid nervous body language
• Don't criticize other players

Common Tryout Mistakes

Avoid These:

• Being intimidated by other players
• Playing too safe
• Ball hogging
• Poor body language
• Arguing with referees/coaches
• Giving up after mistakes
• Not communicating
• Showboating excessively

After Tryouts

Immediate Follow-Up

• Positive debrief (what went well)
• Don't dissect every play
• Acknowledge their effort
• Treat them to something fun
• Let them process the experience

Waiting for Results

• Respect the team's notification timeline
• Don't contact coaches for updates
• Prepare for either outcome
• Have alternative plans ready

If They Make It

• Celebrate appropriately
• Review team expectations
• Understand commitment required
• Be gracious (don't gloat)

If They Don't Make It

• Allow them to feel disappointed
• Emphasize it's not a reflection of worth
• Discuss growth opportunities
• Explore alternative options:
  • Different team/club
  • Recreational league
  • Private coaching
  • Try again next year

Growth Mindset:

• What did they learn?
• What can they improve?
• Other opportunities to play

Long-Term Perspective

Remember:

• Development isn't linear
• Late bloomers exist
• Multiple paths to success
• Playing time and enjoyment matter
• Character development is valuable

Alternative Options

If tryouts don't go as planned:

• Recreational leagues (less pressure)
• Different club or age group
• Private coaching to improve
• Small group training
• School teams
• Indoor/futsal leagues

Final Thoughts

The best tryout preparation is consistent practice throughout the year, not cramming in the weeks before. Focus on development, not just team selection. Whether they make the team or not, the experience itself is valuable for growth and resilience.

Good luck!