How to Run a Successful Tryout Camp

Organized tryout camps are held before the beginning of a season. Interested participants attend tryout camps to learn and perform drills and basic routines for the purpose of evaluation. A camp should be organized so that the time available is put to best use. Participants should be given the maximum amount of exposure to allow judges or coaches a fair look for evaluation purposes.

Things You'll Need

  • Signs, banners and handouts
  • Facility
  • Equipment
  • Coaching staff
  • Plan
  • Independent judges or coaches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Advertise and promote tryout camps well ahead of the actual start date. Give detailed information on dates, times, required dress and personal equipment, tentative schedule and fees. Provide potential participants with as much information regarding in season practice requirements and overall time commitments to help them make an informed decision. List phone and email contact information for parents.

    • 2

      Hire or arrange for a group of coaches to assist not only with the tryouts but the season. Put in place a staff that is as knowledgeable as possible and will commit to the season. Arrange for independent judges or coaches to evaluate participants at the end of the camp.

    • 3

      Plan the tryout camp with detail. Organize everything from the arrival time and paper work collection to water breaks. List drills that will be taught and equipment needed for each drill. Communicate the plans with staff and assign specific responsibilities to each coach. Rotate participants through various coaches to allow for more evaluation.

    • 4

      Warm players up together and then break them into groups. Use size, experience and other criteria to organize drills and instruction. Provide clear instruction as to how drills and routines should be performed. Demonstrate the proper use of equipment.

    • 5

      Maintain an environment where participants are not interfered with by parents, family and friends. Consider closed tryouts to limit access and distraction and reduce pressure on participants. Establish an area for judged tryouts that is open to small groups of participants, judges and coaching staff only.

    • 6

      Stay positive, communicate with participants and parents and provide feedback at the end of each day's tryouts. Give overall impressions, pointers and information for the next day.