More of this Feature • Part 2: Get Past Hurdles • Part 3: Preparation is Key • Part 4: Don't Be a Looser

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By Thomas Houser
How many times have you heard:

”How in the world was that team chosen?” 
“Jason got CUT??”
“Why did not she make varsity?” 
“Wasn't the coach even watching tryouts?”

HURDLE #1:  AT TRYOUTS WILL THE COACH BE ABLE TO TELL WHICH PLAYERS ARE THE MOST ATHLETIC? 

Often the answer is “no”.   Many times the coach is new to the team.   And even if the coach is not new, there are often so many new players showing up for tryouts that the coach will not learn their names.

HURDLE #2:  AT TRYOUTS WILL THE COACH BE ABLE TO TELL WHICH PLAYERS POSSESS THOSE INTANGIBLES? 

Again the answer is often “no”.  Since the coach can only see these kids for a couple of days, the coach will never become aware of: 

what is in the kids heart;

how much the kid wants to play;

how much the kid is willing to sacrifice to make the team, or; 

the level of commitment  and reliability the kid possesses.

Unless we can find a way, then coaches will continue to keep kids who shouldn't be kept and cut kids who shouldn't be cut. 

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