Soccer tryouts are part of the process of joining a team. They can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Physical and mental preparation are key and can make a huge difference in how your child performs and how they handle the experience. 

This information can help you know what to expect during soccer tryouts so that you can help your child prepare. 

Put Their Best Skills to the Test

It’s hard to know what coaches are actually looking for, so the best thing you can do is encourage your child to practice and improve their skills, and then step on the field during tryouts putting their best selves forward. Items like ball control, passing accuracy, first touch and shooting ability are all important. However, coaches also watch how players move without the ball, whether they understand positioning and how quickly they make decisions.

The attitude of the player and their perceived coachability also matters. Coach your child on taking direction and visibly showing a willingness to improve. Coaches pick up on these things, and it can make a difference. 

Prepare Physically Before the Tryouts 

Try not to wait until the week before tryouts to start preparing. Ideally, your child should ramp up their training two to three weeks in advance. This means getting touches on the ball every day, even just 20 to 30 minutes of juggling, dribbling through cones, or passing against a wall makes a difference. Focus on the fundamentals rather than fancy tricks.

Help build up their fitness level with running and agility work. Tryouts involve a lot of continuous movement and coaches are taking notice of which players are still working hard in the final minutes versus those who've gassed out. Make sure your child is eating well, staying hydrated and getting good quality sleep in the days before tryouts. Physical 

Consider the Mental and Emotional Piece

The mental side of tryouts is just as important as the physical preparation. Talk with your child about what to expect so there are no surprises. Explain that tryouts are competitive and that not everyone will make the team. Help them set goals they can control. Things like giving maximum effort, or staying positive throughout.

Address their specific anxieties. If they're worried about making mistakes, remind them that everyone messes up and coaches are watching how they respond to mistakes, not whether mistakes happen. 

If they're nervous about not knowing anyone, encourage them to be friendly and introduce themselves before tryouts start. Role-play scenarios if it helps—what will they do if a coach gives them feedback? How will they handle getting scored on? Mental rehearsal can reduce anxiety and build confidence.

Manage the Wait After Tryouts

The time before decisions are announced can be emotionally challenging. Your child will likely be analyzing what they did right and wrong. Make sure to tell them that they gave it their best effort and that's all they could control. If they make the team, celebrate appropriately. 

If they don't make it or are placed on a different team than expected, give them space to feel disappointed. Then help them process it. Ask what they learned from the experience and what they want to work on for next time. Sometimes not making a team becomes the motivation that drives a player to improve dramatically. The outcome of one tryout doesn't define your child's potential or worth.

Tryouts are just one tiny moment in your child's soccer journey. Support your child through the process, keep perspective, and remember that there will always be more opportunities ahead.