This first blog will be on how to have a successful tryout. I will show the key elements to get your name at the top of every coaches list. Here we go!
- Get to bed earlier than usual.
- Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning.
- No sugar!
- Less bread carbs, more protein and fruit.
- 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, some granola with yogurt and some orange juice.
- When getting dressed, be sure to wear a full matching uniform.
- Hat (Matching)
- Uniform (Baseball T-Shirt if you don't have a uniform) TUCK IT IN!
- Belt (Matching)
- Sliding Shorts
- Cup
- Pants (Matching if colored)
- Socks (Matching)
- Cleats
- ALWAYS LOOK LIKE A PRO!
- Check your gear bag(s). Make sure you don't leave anything behind.
- Helmet
- Bat (be sure it is legal)
- Batting gloves (optional)
- Mitts/Gloves (depending where you play)
- First baseman's mitt
- Catcher's mitt
- Regular fielding glove
- Catcher's Gear (optional)
- Shin pads
- Chest protector
- Mask
- Knee savers (optional)
- Bring lots of water and a healthy snack in case you are needed to stay late to help
- Try to arrive to the field about 20 - 30 minutes early
- Remember to set up your tryout and find out when it is supposed to start and end
- Offer to stay after your tryout to help with the other tryouts
- Stretch ALL muscles and warm up your arm with a friend or another player
- Be confident!
- Encourage the other players that are trying out before you. (Be a baseball cheerleader)
- Listen to the coach and the directions he gives to the players before you
- Be one step ahead
- Give 110% effort and always have a great attitude
- When the coach tells you to do something, always try to "do it better"
- If he says to hit the ball and run to 2nd base, even if you didn't get a great hit, after contact, drop the bat (do not throw) run your fastest, round first with a banana turn and do a hard SLIDE into second. Then immediately jump to your feet and get into ready position.
- Hitting
- Be confident and aggressive. SWING THAT BAT!
- If not a good hitting day, keep a great attitude (don't show anger)
- Fielding
- Don't be afraid of the ball (they have ice in the dugout)
- Be in ready position at all times
- Keep your spirit up
- Don't be afraid to be vocal
- Outfield
- Be vocal and call the ball (LOUDLY)
- Be sure to get under the ball (don't over run it)
- Catch it out front, not behind
- If you need to dive, DO IT! It shows great effort, even if you miss it
- Pitching
- Try to zone in on the catcher (don't get distracted)
- Attack the Strike Zone and don't be afraid to LET IT RIP!
- Give it all you've got!
- Catching
- Confidence is key!
- Get in front of the ball
- Stop it in any way you can, including using your body to block the ball
- Don't be afraid to show off your arm when you throw to second or third
- Know your pitcher's signs
- Be the last one to leave.
- Offer to help the coaches pack up all of the gear and clean up the equipment on the field.
- Show your winning attitude at ALL times
If you have been forwarded this issue and would like to be placed on the mailing list, please send an
e-mail to jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com
If you want to be taken off the e-mail list, please let me know at jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com
Special thanks to Jake Carrillo, owner of the Golden Gate Sliders Travel Team & Baseball Camps
http://www.GoldenGateSlidersBaseball.com/
Special thanks to Personal Trainer and Coach, Tom Alva.
Special thanks to my baseball buddies at the park, Wilder, West & Ryan.
