Youth Inc. Recommends: Resources to Help Your Child Feel Confident and Prepared for Tryouts
Tryouts can be a lot. Whether it’s for a club team, school team, or even just moving up a level, they often bring a mix of nerves, excitement, and uncertainty—for both kids and parents. You’re trying to figure out what coaches are looking for, how your child stacks up, and how to support them without adding more pressure. It’s easy to feel like everything rides on just a few drills or scrimmages. But the truth is, tryouts are just one moment in a much bigger journey.
Here are a few resources to help you approach tryouts with a little more perspective—and a lot less stress:
11 Small Habits That Help Athletes Stand Out at Tryouts
What it is: A smart, easy-to-follow list of habits that can help any athlete get noticed for the right reasons—things like making eye contact, communicating confidently, and always giving max effort. It was originally written for basketball players, but every tip translates to any tryout in any sport.
Why we like it: This article is a great reminder that coaches aren’t just watching skills—they’re watching body language, attitude, and how kids respond to feedback. These are small but powerful ways athletes can take control of what they can control, even in high-pressure tryout situations.
9 Ways to Help Athletes Cope with Tryout Anxiety
What it is: A super helpful guide for managing the nerves and pressure that often show up around tryouts. It offers specific tips for both athletes and the adults supporting them—like how to reframe nerves, focus on effort, and keep perspective.
Why we like it: Tryouts are stressful, and this article gets it. It normalizes anxiety and gives families real tools to help kids feel more confident and in control. Perfect for parents who want to support without adding pressure.
