Physical preparation is an important part of the tryout puzzle, but so is mental preparation. Coaches agree that players need to enjoy themselves during the tryout process. Parents have an important role to play in keeping expectations realistic, especially for young players who are just getting started in the sport. Brill, who has been coaching since 1960 at all levels in Minnesota, with state and national titles to his credit, his tryouts always start with a little talk. It s supposed to be a game.
Pressure is the biggest enemy that a player has to deal with in a tryout situation.
Be relaxed, go out and have some fun. That s always good advice. Help put the tryouts in perspective, keep everything positive and don t create additional pressure for a young player to succeed. A tryout is like a job interview, and not everybody who interviews for a job is going to get hired. Some leagues even go so far as to keep parents out of the rink when talent evaluations are taking place.