Lacrosse Tryouts: A Comprehensive Guide for Better Outcomes
Running lacrosse tryouts can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with a large number of participants and the inherent pressure to evaluate talent fairly and efficiently. Here’s an in-depth guide to conducting more effective and streamlined lacrosse tryouts, drawing from decades of coaching experience.
Embrace Simplicity
The philosophy of 'less is more' has proven effective in streamlining the tryout process. This means conducting fewer stations, simpler activities, and using a straightforward evaluation form. This approach reduces complexity and allows for more focused evaluation of each player's capabilities in a game-like environment.
Building the Right Evaluation Team
An effective tryout starts with assembling a competent evaluation team. This team should include:
Former players who can bring insight and experience
Local club and recreational coaches
School or local referees
Coaches from other teams
Having a diverse team of evaluators ensures a comprehensive assessment of each participant, reducing bias and allowing for a broader perspective on skills and potential.
Essential Preparations
Preparation is key to smooth tryouts. Ensure the following:
A detailed practice plan accessible to all evaluators.
Sufficient supplies, including clipboards, whistles, pens, and evaluation sheets.
Each player has a unique number for anonymous evaluation, using numbered pinnies or paper pinned to jerseys.
Conducting the Tryouts
Divide the tryouts into concise, targeted stations followed by scrimmages:
Shooting Station: Evaluate basic shooting skills and ball handling for different positions.
3v2 Station: Focus on quick ball movement and defensive sliding, offering a clear view of players’ field awareness.
4v4 Station: Mimic game scenarios that allow players to showcase their skills in both offensive and defensive roles.
Each station should last about 10 minutes to maintain high energy and engagement.
Full-Field Scrimmage
After station drills, organize a short full-field scrimmage to observe players in a more competitive and natural game environment. This helps assess overall team dynamics and individual performance under game conditions.
Evaluation and Selection
Using a simple evaluation form with three categories—can definitely play, might be able to play, and cannot play—helps in categorizing talent efficiently. Post-scrimmage, evaluators should discuss their notes and agree on selections, focusing on players who are borderline to ensure fair consideration.
Leveraging Technology
Incorporate technology to enhance the evaluation process. Use digital tools to track player performance, record evaluations, and even video record sessions for further review. This not only saves time but also provides a digital record that can be referenced later.
Engaging the Players
Keep the players engaged and informed throughout the process. Explain the criteria and the process upfront to set expectations and reduce anxiety. This transparency helps in maintaining a positive atmosphere and ensures that players perform to their best ability.
Feedback and Follow-Up
Provide constructive feedback to players after the tryouts. Whether they make the team or not, understanding their strengths and areas for improvement can be invaluable for their development in lacrosse.
Continuous Improvement
Review and refine the tryout process after each session. Gather feedback from evaluators and participants to identify what worked and what didn’t. This commitment to continuous improvement will help in fine-tuning the process for future sessions.
Conclusion
By simplifying the lacrosse tryout process, coaches can better identify talent and make informed decisions about team selection. The goal is to minimize the exhaustive aspects of traditional tryouts while maximizing the quality of time spent evaluating each player’s fit for the team.
This streamlined approach not only makes the process less tedious but also enhances the accuracy and fairness of player evaluations, ultimately leading to a stronger, more cohesive team. Adopting these practices ensures that lacrosse tryouts are not only more efficient but also more effective in building a successful team.
