We all have been there before, trying out for a soccer team. When trying out for a team it always feels like the world is going to end. You end up overthinking the tryout and finding yourself not playing to the best of your ability. I'm here to let you know it is possible to perform at a high level, and have fun during tryouts. Here are my three tips to remember when going into a tryout!

1. Visualize what a great tryout looks like

For a lot of players, they never take the time to visualize what it is like to have a great game. They go through their careers never using visualization as a tool to improve. Visualization is powerful and it gives you an idea of what you need to do to be successful. You hear of all the sports great visualizing what it would be like to score the game winning goal or scoring the basket at the buzzer. Make sure you take your time and map it what it would be like to have a great tryout. This is the foundation to going out there and doing so.

2. Arrive early to the tryout

I see it all the time. Kids arriving to games and practices minutes before they start, and having poor performances. Tryouts are stressful enough, for many, so why add another layer to the process? Make sure you get to the tryout out at lease 30 minutes early. That way, you can do whatever you need to do in order to get into the zone. 

3. Start Simply, Work Hard, have fun

During the tryout you're going to want to impress the coaches, but not at the expense of playing someone else's game. play within yourself, don't force the game because that is the first way of not performing well. keep it simple in the beginning and then take some risk! Always work hard if you want to have a fighting chance, it's that simple. Don't work hard and find yourself with regret when you don't make the team. Remember, control the things you can control! Lastly, enjoy the moment. Soccer is a game and it should be fun, so go out there, compete, and play hard.