How To Run Successful Basketball Tryouts

TeamSnap has an easy-to-use integration with our friends at TeamGenius to help run tryouts and team evaluations. With a TeamGenius account you can easily import your TeamSnap rosters to TeamGenius, and then sync your teams back to TeamSnap once you have finished your tryouts. Yes, this works for basketball too!

This integration will make your tryout day smooth operationally and gratifying for the parents, players, and coaches. On top of this easy-to-use feature that will make sure everyone shows up for tryouts, TeamSnap has some other tips to make sure this day helps your basketball organization leave the best impression on new and returning players.

Prepare

Be sure to prepare for the tryouts ahead of time. This takes thoughtful communication way ahead of the date of tryouts. Communicate with your teams, coaches, and players in the TeamSnap communication center to make sure the date is marked, players know what to bring, and the coaches are available.

Market

Utilize strategic email marketing and social media promotion to get the word out about tryouts. Set reminders in the TeamSnap app and encourage families to share with others.

Organize Tryout Registration

Of course, there are no tryouts without hopeful participants. Organize your tryout registration to maximize the number of players joining. A tryout registration form helps your club gauge member interest so you know how many players are coming in advance and can plan accordingly. Use TeamSnap for Clubs & League’s registration solution to build your forms for measuring player interest. This app helps to start your registration season right by bringing everything under one roof. With TeamSnap, make registration the entryway to an integrated and seamless experience with rostering, communication, and overall team management—with up-to-date information in a single location.

Create a Concise Schedule 

For successful tryouts, set the schedule way ahead of time. Determine the specified events and establish the drills you will evaluate well before the day of tryouts. Create a legible copy of the schedule and distribute it among all volunteers and participants. Make sure that everyone involved in the operations of the tryout understand the event breakdown and sessions. Additionally, assign volunteers ahead of time and notify each judge who will be evaluating and on what.

Set Clear Expectations 

It can be nerve-wracking to try out for a youth sports league. Help your participants stay calm and collected by setting specific expectations throughout the process. This includes a schedule for the day of tryouts and timelines on notification of acceptance. Communicate all relevant information (and then some) to all players’ parents to mitigate confusion and maximize fun.

Make it Fun and a Positive Experience

Boost morale leading up to tryouts by sending encouragements to players. Additionally, remind participants that good attitudes are required, and negative talk of any kind will not be tolerated. The tryout process is stressful enough, there is no need to create more tension through poor attitudes. At the beginning of tryouts, remind players that they should be proud that they showed up. Praise all efforts and remember to thank participants at the end of the tryout session.