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!

 http://youtu.be/89-064_FLdE

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.

http://youtu.be/c54l_RwrPlw



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

http://youtu.be/J5RprE1tyZE

 

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

 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.