5 Basketball Tryout Tips to Help You Make the Team (and Earn Playing Time)
With basketball tryouts right around the corner, players across the country are preparing to compete for a spot on their school or club basketball teams. Whether you’re trying out for a middle school, high school, or youth club team, being prepared is key.
While the best way to succeed at basketball tryouts is by putting in consistent work—developing your skills, building your strength, and improving your game months or even years in advance—there are also specific things you can do during tryouts to stand out and make an impact, no matter your skill level.
These 5 basketball tryout tips are simple, actionable, and available to every player—if you’re willing to make the choice.
🏀 Basketball Tryout Tip #1: Introduce Yourself & Talk to the Coaches
If you’re trying out for a team where coaches don’t know you well, don’t let your performance be the only thing they remember. Make a strong first impression by introducing yourself.
👋 Say your name, your grade, and what position(s) you play.
✅ Ask questions like:
-
“What do you look for in a player at my position?”
-
“Is there anything specific I can focus on to help the team?”
This shows maturity, leadership, and a willingness to grow. Coaches often choose players who are coachable, respectful, and proactive—qualities that start with a simple conversation.
🏃♂️ Basketball Tryout Tip #2: Win Every Sprint
Hustle is a mindset—and it’s a mindset that coaches love. One of the most noticeable ways to show effort and intensity during tryouts is to go all-out in every conditioning drill and sprint.
Even if you don’t win every sprint, trying to finish first tells the coach:
-
You’re in shape (or working to be)
-
You’re competitive
-
You push yourself and others to get better
Don’t coast. Sprint like your spot depends on it—because it might.
📣 Basketball Tryout Tip #3: Be Loud and Talk on the Court
Talking on the court is a sign of confidence, leadership, and game IQ. It’s also an easy way to get noticed.
🗣 Use your voice during:
-
Drills (“Screen right!”, “Help coming!”)
-
Scrimmages (“Ball!”, “I got shooter!”)
-
Huddles (“Let’s go!”, “Stay focused!”)
Even if you’re not the best player in the gym, being vocal communicates that you’re engaged, aware, and supportive of your teammates. Coaches notice that.
If you’re naturally quiet, that’s okay—challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and practice being vocal. It’ll pay off.
👂 Basketball Tryout Tip #4: Listen and Pay Attention to Instructions
One of the biggest frustrations for coaches during tryouts is when players don’t listen, don’t follow directions, or don’t ask when they’re confused.
Show your coach that you’re locked in:
-
Look them in the eye when they’re talking
-
Nod or verbally confirm you understand
-
Ask smart questions if you’re unsure
This shows you’re coachable, and being coachable is one of the most important qualities for any team player. Coaches would rather work with a player who listens and learns than one with talent but no focus.
💪 Basketball Tryout Tip #5: Do the Little Things That Win Games
You may not be the best shooter, ball-handler, or scorer on the court. That’s okay.
But every player can:
-
Dive for loose balls
-
Take a charge
-
Box out every play
-
Set good screens
-
Sprint in transition
-
Bring energy on and off the court
These “little things” are what turn players into game-changers—and often, what turns tryout invites into roster spots. Coaches build teams with glue guys and hustle players.
Just ask Dennis Rodman or Draymond Green—players known for hustle, heart, and doing the dirty work that helps teams win.
Bonus: Tryout Tips Recap
✅ Introduce yourself to coaches
✅ Win every sprint (or try to)
✅ Talk loudly and confidently on the court
✅ Listen carefully and follow instructions
✅ Hustle, do the little things, and bring energy
These things won’t guarantee you make the team, but they WILL give you a better chance—and help you earn more playing time if you do.
📺 Want to Improve Your Skills Before Tryouts?
Check out these two YouTube workouts from our team at Pro Skills Basketball that you can start doing TODAY to improve your game.
🎥 Complete Basketball Skills Workout for Guards
You can also explore more free drills, workouts, and player development tips on our PSB YouTube Channel.
