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Live in your hopes - not in your fears.
The following ideas and suggestions are designed to enhance your
chances of being noticed at ODP tryouts. Many players train in front
of an evaluator and hardly get noticed due to several factors. Being
noticed is the first step in being evaluated fairly. The more they
see you the greater chance they will see something they like. Of
course nothing ever guarantees selection but being unprepared can
guarantee that you are not selected. Ultimately you must demonstrate
the ability to "effect the game" in a positive way to be selected to
go on to the next level. This should be looked at as an experience
to perform with and against other players with various levels of
skill.
Technique
Always read the game before getting the ball. Vision without the
ball is very important. See all your options.
Always glance before your first touch so you know where pressure is
coming from.
Show off your various individual skills.
Especially show off footwork.
Tactics
Get involved as often as possible, don't hide yourself on the field
regardless of the position you play.
The more you touch the ball, the more they see you.
Always follow your passes by showing (sprinting) for a return pass.
Play simple passes at first (build your confidence), then take
chances with creative passes that impact the game.
Work hard without the ball (make sprints) to always be in a good
position to receive a pass, regardless of the position you play.
Do not get locked into one position the entire time.
Either sprint or walk-jog. Sprint to be noticed and walk-jog to
rest.
Physical
Show off your physical attributes (example: speed, power, ability to
beat opponents to the ball, etc.)
If you consider yourself small, play extra aggressive to show
courage.
If you consider yourself big, be aggressive to use your size to your
advantage.
Make LOTS of short bursts of speed when showing for the ball rather
than playing at a jogging pace, the coaches and the players will
notice you more often.
Psychological
Play with confidence.
Play with players you personally know when getting into groups and
small-sided games.
Communicate verbally often with other players.
Don't be afraid to demand the ball and I do mean, "demanding". Make
things happen for yourself!!
Take risks, playing it safe only guarantees you won't be noticed.
Players who take risks may make more mistakes but have a greater
impact on the coaches at tryouts than those that always play it safe
and go unnoticed.
Be the first one on the field every time (at the beginning, at water
breaks, etc) and the last one to leave.
Don't be afraid to be different, that is why they select you.
Appearance
Dress like a soccer player with shin guards on, socks up, shirt
tucked in (bright florescent socks will help you get noticed).
Wear bright colored soccer gear, bring two jerseys: one dark, one
light (DO NOT wear club uniforms).
Polish shoes.
Keep socks up over shin guards (use tape if necessary to keep them
up).
Keep shirt tucked in neatly at all times.
Bring a bag with extra equipment: shoes, shoe strings, indoor shoes,
sun block, tape, water, old ball with name on it (DO NOT bring a
brand new ball), etc.
Professionalism
Always be on time.
Don't warm-up taking shots on goal:
1. Juggle or practice footwork.
2. Get with a partner you know and pass or play 1 v 1.
3. Include in your warm-up whatever builds your confidence and makes
you feel good.
Always be near the front of the line.
Be first to volunteer when they ask for one.
Be assertive.
Don't try to guess what the staff coaches are thinking.
In the end you will know in your heart how you fared against your
peers and whether you deserve to go to the next round. Remember you
are judged on your performance that day and not whether you are
better than anyone else. To compete against yourself and to give
your best is all you can do. That is what you are in control of.
Making the next round of tryouts does not mean you have arrived as a
player. It becomes even more important to work harder to get better.
No one can take away your commitment to becoming a better player,
your ability to work hard, your desire to succeed, and most
importantly your contribution and impact you make on the your team!
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