Sunday, December 8, 2013

How To Have A Successful Baseball Tryout

It's that time of the year again! Tryouts are coming up! I will be republishing the monthly blogs that I created last year (when I was an amateur blogger - haha). 

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!


The Night Before
  • Get to bed earlier than usual.
The Morning of Event
  • 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
Arrival and Getting to the Field
  • 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
Starting the Tryout
  • 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.
The Sections of the Tryout
  • 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

 
End of Tryout
  • 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
 Most importantly... Have a GREAT time!


If you have been forwarded this issue and would like to be placed on the mailing list, please send an

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.

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