From Tryouts to Triumph: Your Ultimate Guide to Making the High School Soccer Team

Making the high school soccer team is a goal for many young athletes. It’s a chance to represent your school, compete at a higher level, and forge lasting friendships. However, it’s also a competitive process. Earning a spot requires dedication, skill, and a strategic approach. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the detailed steps and instructions you need to maximize your chances of making the team.

## I. Before Tryouts: Laying the Groundwork

Success at tryouts doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the culmination of consistent effort and preparation in the months and weeks leading up to the big day. Think of this phase as building a strong foundation for your soccer journey.

**1. Honest Self-Assessment:**

* **Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses:** Be brutally honest with yourself. What are you good at? Dribbling? Passing? Defending? Shooting? What areas need improvement? Are you slow? Do you struggle with your weaker foot? Knowing your strengths allows you to showcase them, while understanding your weaknesses lets you focus your training.
* **Seek Feedback:** Don’t rely solely on your own assessment. Ask your current coaches, teammates, and even knowledgeable friends for honest feedback on your game. They may see things you don’t.
* **Video Analysis:** If possible, record yourself playing in games or training sessions. Watching yourself can reveal areas for improvement that you might otherwise miss. Pay attention to your technique, positioning, and decision-making.

**2. Develop a Training Plan:**

* **Specificity is Key:** Your training should mimic the demands of high school soccer. Focus on improving your soccer-specific skills and physical conditioning. Generic workouts at the gym won’t cut it.
* **Technical Skills:**
* **Dribbling:** Practice dribbling with both feet, using different parts of your foot (inside, outside, laces). Focus on close control, changing direction quickly, and dribbling at speed. Use cones to create agility drills.
* **Passing:** Work on short, accurate passes, as well as longer, driven passes. Practice passing to a target, both stationary and moving. Focus on your passing technique, including your plant foot position and follow-through.
* **Shooting:** Practice shooting from different angles and distances. Work on your technique, including your stance, foot placement, and follow-through. Focus on power and accuracy. Set up targets to aim for.
* **First Touch:** A good first touch is essential for controlling the ball under pressure. Practice receiving passes from different angles and directions. Focus on cushioning the ball and setting yourself up for your next move.
* **Heading:** If your position requires it, practice heading the ball accurately and powerfully. Focus on your timing, technique, and using your forehead to make contact.
* **Physical Conditioning:**
* **Cardiovascular Endurance:** High school soccer requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness. Incorporate running, sprinting, and interval training into your routine. Consider activities like distance running, sprints, shuttle runs, and plyometrics.
* **Strength and Power:** Strength and power are important for winning challenges and generating explosive movements. Focus on exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, and pull-ups. Use proper form to avoid injuries.
* **Agility and Speed:** Agility and speed are crucial for changing direction quickly and beating opponents. Incorporate agility drills, cone drills, and ladder drills into your routine. Focus on quick feet and explosive movements.
* **Flexibility:** Flexibility helps prevent injuries and improves performance. Stretch regularly, focusing on major muscle groups like your hamstrings, quads, and hip flexors. Consider yoga or Pilates.
* **Consistency is Crucial:** Train consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. Aim for at least 3-4 training sessions per week. Remember that progress takes time and effort.

**3. Nutrition and Hydration:**

* **Fuel Your Body:** Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of unhealthy fats.
* **Hydrate Properly:** Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after training sessions. Dehydration can significantly impair your performance.
* **Consider Supplements:** If you’re struggling to get enough nutrients from your diet, consider taking supplements like a multivitamin or protein powder. Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before taking any supplements.

**4. Mental Preparation:**

* **Visualize Success:** Imagine yourself performing well at tryouts. Visualize making accurate passes, winning tackles, and scoring goals. Visualization can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
* **Set Realistic Goals:** Don’t expect to be perfect. Set realistic goals for yourself and focus on improving one small thing each day.
* **Stay Positive:** Believe in yourself and your abilities. A positive attitude can make a big difference in your performance.
* **Manage Stress:** Tryouts can be stressful. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.

**5. Research the Team and Coaches:**

* **Playing Style:** Understand the team’s playing style and tactics. Are they a possession-based team or a counter-attacking team? Knowing this will help you tailor your training and showcase skills that are relevant to their style.
* **Team Needs:** Identify potential gaps in the team’s roster. Are they lacking a strong defender? A creative midfielder? If you can fill a specific need, you’ll increase your chances of making the team.
* **Coach’s Preferences:** Learn about the coach’s preferences and expectations. What qualities do they value in players? What type of player are they looking for? Talking to current or former players can provide valuable insights.

## II. During Tryouts: Showcasing Your Abilities

Tryouts are your opportunity to impress the coaches and demonstrate that you deserve a spot on the team. It’s crucial to be prepared, focused, and proactive.

**1. Arrive Early and Prepared:**

* **Punctuality:** Arrive at least 30 minutes early for each tryout session. This will give you time to warm up properly, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, and mentally prepare for the session. Being late sends a negative message to the coaches.
* **Proper Gear:** Wear appropriate soccer attire, including cleats, shin guards, and a comfortable jersey. Make sure your gear is clean and in good condition. Bring extra socks and a water bottle.
* **Medical Information:** Have any necessary medical information readily available, such as allergies or medical conditions. Inform the coaches of any injuries or limitations you may have.

**2. Warm-Up Effectively:**

* **Dynamic Stretching:** Perform dynamic stretches to warm up your muscles and improve your range of motion. Examples include leg swings, arm circles, torso twists, and high knees. Avoid static stretching before exercise.
* **Light Cardio:** Engage in light cardio, such as jogging or jumping jacks, to increase your heart rate and blood flow to your muscles.
* **Ball Work:** Incorporate ball work into your warm-up to improve your touch and coordination. Practice dribbling, passing, and shooting.

**3. Listen Attentively and Follow Instructions:**

* **Pay Attention:** Listen carefully to the coaches’ instructions and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Showing that you’re attentive and willing to learn is a positive sign.
* **Follow Directions:** Follow the coaches’ instructions precisely. Don’t try to improvise or do your own thing. They’re evaluating your ability to follow directions and work within a team structure.

**4. Give 100% Effort:**

* **Hustle:** Always hustle and give 100% effort, even when you’re tired. Coaches are looking for players who are willing to work hard and never give up.
* **Intensity:** Play with intensity and passion. Show that you care about making the team.
* **Don’t Hold Back:** Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. This is your chance to showcase your abilities.

**5. Showcase Your Strengths:**

* **Play to Your Strengths:** Focus on showcasing your strengths and doing what you do best. If you’re a great passer, make accurate and creative passes. If you’re a strong defender, make tough tackles and intercept passes.
* **Don’t Try to Be Someone You’re Not:** Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic and play your own game. Coaches can usually spot players who are trying too hard to impress.

**6. Be a Team Player:**

* **Communicate:** Communicate with your teammates on the field. Call for the ball, provide instructions, and offer encouragement. Effective communication is essential for a successful team.
* **Support Your Teammates:** Support your teammates, even when they make mistakes. Encourage them to keep trying and offer positive feedback.
* **Be Coachable:** Be receptive to feedback from the coaches and willing to learn. Showing that you’re coachable is a valuable asset.

**7. Stay Positive and Confident:**

* **Positive Attitude:** Maintain a positive attitude, even when things aren’t going your way. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Learn from it and move on.
* **Confidence:** Project confidence in your abilities. Believe in yourself and your potential. Confidence can be contagious and can inspire your teammates.

**8. Specific Skills to Highlight Based on Position:**

* **Forwards:**
* **Shooting Accuracy and Power:** Demonstrate your ability to score goals from various angles and distances.
* **Dribbling Skills:** Showcase your dribbling skills to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities.
* **Off-the-Ball Movement:** Display intelligent off-the-ball movement to find open spaces and receive passes.
* **Finishing Under Pressure:** Prove you can finish scoring chances even when under pressure from defenders.
* **Midfielders:**
* **Passing Range and Accuracy:** Show your ability to make both short and long passes accurately.
* **Vision and Creativity:** Demonstrate your vision to spot opportunities and create scoring chances for teammates.
* **Defensive Contributions:** Show your willingness to track back and defend when the team loses possession.
* **Ball Control and First Touch:** Exhibit exceptional ball control and a precise first touch to maintain possession.
* **Defenders:**
* **Tackling Ability:** Display your ability to make clean and effective tackles to win the ball.
* **Positioning and Awareness:** Demonstrate strong positioning and awareness to anticipate opponents’ movements.
* **Aerial Ability:** Show your ability to win headers and defend against aerial threats.
* **Communication Skills:** Communicate effectively with your fellow defenders and goalkeeper.
* **Goalkeepers:**
* **Shot-Stopping Ability:** Demonstrate your ability to save shots from various angles and distances.
* **Distribution Skills:** Show your ability to distribute the ball accurately to start attacks.
* **Command of the Penalty Area:** Exhibit strong command of your penalty area and ability to organize your defense.
* **Communication with Defenders:** Communicate effectively with your defenders to organize the defense and prevent scoring chances.

**9. Dealing with Nerves:**

* **Acknowledge Your Nerves:** It’s normal to feel nervous before and during tryouts. Acknowledge your nerves and accept that they’re a part of the process.
* **Deep Breathing:** Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
* **Focus on the Present:** Focus on the present moment and what you can control. Don’t worry about the future or the outcome of the tryouts.
* **Remember Your Preparation:** Remember all the hard work you’ve put in to prepare for tryouts. Trust your training and believe in your abilities.

## III. After Tryouts: What Happens Next?

The tryouts are over, but the process isn’t necessarily complete. Here’s what to expect and how to handle the aftermath.

**1. The Waiting Game:**

* **Patience is Key:** Be patient and wait for the coaches to announce their decisions. Don’t bombard them with emails or phone calls asking about your status. This can be seen as pushy and unprofessional.
* **Stay Positive:** Maintain a positive attitude, even if you’re feeling anxious. The coaches will make their decisions based on a variety of factors, so don’t take it personally if you don’t make the team.

**2. Making the Team:**

* **Congratulations!** If you make the team, congratulations! Your hard work and dedication have paid off.
* **Embrace the Opportunity:** Embrace the opportunity to represent your school and play at a higher level.
* **Continue to Work Hard:** Don’t rest on your laurels. Continue to work hard and improve your skills.
* **Be a Good Teammate:** Be a good teammate and support your fellow players.
* **Follow the Coach’s Instructions:** Follow the coach’s instructions and be a valuable asset to the team.

**3. Not Making the Team:**

* **Don’t Give Up:** If you don’t make the team, don’t give up on your soccer dreams. This is just a setback, not a failure.
* **Ask for Feedback:** Ask the coaches for feedback on why you didn’t make the team. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
* **Develop a Plan:** Develop a plan to address your weaknesses and improve your skills.
* **Consider Other Options:** Consider other options, such as playing on a club team, joining a recreational league, or focusing on individual training.
* **Try Again Next Year:** If you’re still determined to make the high school team, try again next year. Use this experience as motivation to work even harder.

**4. The Importance of Feedback:**

* **Request Specific Feedback:** When asking for feedback, be specific about what you want to know. For example, you could ask, “What are the specific areas of my game that I need to improve?” or “What can I do to become a more valuable asset to the team?”
* **Be Open to Criticism:** Be open to criticism and willing to listen to what the coaches have to say. Don’t get defensive or try to argue with them.
* **Take Notes:** Take notes during your feedback session so you can remember the key points.
* **Develop an Action Plan:** Use the feedback you receive to develop an action plan for improvement. Set realistic goals and track your progress.

## IV. Beyond Tryouts: Continuing Your Development

Making the team is a significant achievement, but it’s not the end of your soccer journey. It’s important to continue developing your skills and improving your game.

**1. Consistent Training:**

* **Team Practices:** Attend all team practices and give 100% effort.
* **Individual Training:** Supplement team practices with individual training sessions. Focus on areas where you need to improve.
* **Scrimmages and Games:** Participate in scrimmages and games whenever possible. This will give you valuable experience and help you develop your game.

**2. Seek Out Additional Resources:**

* **Coaching:** Work with a private coach or attend soccer camps to receive personalized instruction.
* **Online Resources:** Utilize online resources, such as videos and articles, to learn new skills and strategies.
* **Analyze Professional Games:** Watch professional soccer games and analyze the players’ techniques and tactics.

**3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:**

* **Proper Nutrition:** Continue to eat a balanced diet and hydrate properly.
* **Adequate Rest:** Get enough sleep to allow your body to recover and rebuild.
* **Injury Prevention:** Take steps to prevent injuries, such as stretching regularly and using proper form when exercising.

**4. Mental Fortitude:**

* **Set Goals:** Set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress.
* **Stay Positive:** Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.
* **Learn from Mistakes:** Learn from your mistakes and don’t get discouraged.
* **Visualize Success:** Continue to visualize yourself performing well on the field.

**5. Adaptability and Versatility:**

* **Learn Multiple Positions:** Learn to play multiple positions on the field. This will make you a more valuable asset to the team.
* **Adapt to Different Styles of Play:** Be able to adapt to different styles of play. Some teams prefer a possession-based style, while others prefer a counter-attacking style.
* **Be a Team Player:** Always put the team’s needs first. Be willing to sacrifice your individual goals for the good of the team.

Making the high school soccer team is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the process, you’ll significantly increase your chances of achieving your goal. Remember that hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude are essential for success, both on and off the field. Good luck!