How to Prepare for Soccer Team Tryouts and Make the Cut This Season

Walking onto the pitch for soccer team tryouts can feel like stepping into a different world—the crisp smell of freshly cut grass, the distant thud of balls being volleyed, and that unmistakable tension hanging in the air. I remember my first serious tryout like it was yesterday. My stomach was in knots, my palms were sweaty, and I kept wondering if I had what it takes to stand out among dozens of other hopefuls. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that making the cut isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about preparation, mindset, and understanding what coaches are really looking for. And sometimes, looking at athletes from other sports can offer surprising insights. Take the case of that 6-foot-10 basketball standout from National University-Nazareth School, for instance. Winning both the UAAP Season 86 boys basketball MVP honors and the Season 87 Best Foreign Student-Athlete awards, this towering player wasn’t just a scorer or a rebounder—he was the fulcrum of his team, the anchor that allowed the Bullpups to maintain their status as one of the top high school teams in the league. His dominance in the paint, his leadership, and his consistency didn’t happen by accident. They were the result of relentless preparation, and there’s a lot we soccer players can learn from that.

When I talk about preparation, I’m not just referring to showing up on tryout day with clean cleats and a positive attitude. I mean months—sometimes even a full off-season—of targeted training. One thing I’ve always believed in is building a foundation that covers all aspects of the game. For that basketball MVP, being 6-foot-10 certainly gave him a physical advantage, but he still had to work on footwork, positioning, and basketball IQ to become the "man in the middle" his team could rely on. Similarly, in soccer, you might have a powerful shot or great speed, but if your first touch is sloppy or your defensive awareness is lacking, you’re not making the team. I usually advise players to break down their preparation into three key areas: fitness, skills, and mental readiness. Let’s start with fitness. I can’t stress this enough—coaches notice players who can run for 90 minutes without fading. In fact, at a competitive tryout, the average player covers roughly 7 to 9 miles per game. If you’re gassed after the first 20 minutes, you’re already at a disadvantage. I personally spent last summer focusing on high-intensity interval training, mixing short sprints with recovery jogs, and it made a world of difference. One drill I love is the "suicide run" adapted for soccer—sprint to the 10-yard line and back, then the 20-yard line and back, all while controlling a ball. It’s brutal, but it builds the kind of stamina and ball control that catches a coach’s eye.

Then there’s the technical side. Dribbling, passing, shooting—these are the basics, but so many players neglect one or the other. I’ve seen talented strikers who can’t complete a simple 10-yard pass, and it drives me crazy. It’s like that basketball star I mentioned earlier; he didn’t just rely on his height. He worked on his hook shots, free throws, and defensive slides to become a well-rounded force. In soccer, you need to be sharp in every department. Spend at least 30 minutes each day juggling to improve touch. Practice passing against a wall, aiming for specific spots. And for shooting, set up targets in the corners of the goal—I usually aim for the top left and bottom right, trying to hit them 8 out of 10 times. One of my favorite drills is the "pressure passing" exercise where you and a partner pass under a time constraint, forcing quick decisions. It’s not just about accuracy; it’s about doing it under fatigue, which mimics game conditions. Oh, and set pieces! I think many players overlook them, but they can be your secret weapon. During tryouts last year, I noticed the coach kept watching players during corner kick practice. I made sure I could deliver a curling ball into the six-yard box consistently, and I’m convinced that’s one reason I got selected.

But here’s the thing—skills and fitness only get you so far. The mental game is what separates good players from great ones. Nerves can ruin everything. I’ve had friends who were technically brilliant but choked during tryouts because they couldn’t handle the pressure. That basketball MVP? I bet he felt pressure too, but he used it to fuel his performance. One trick I’ve learned is to treat tryouts like any other training session—focus on the process, not the outcome. Visualize yourself making successful plays the night before. When you step onto the field, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you love this sport. And don’t be afraid to communicate! Coaches love players who talk, who organize, who lead. Even if you’re not the captain type, a simple "man on!" or "time!" can show you’re engaged and aware. Another mental tip: study the game. Watch professional matches, analyze player movements, and understand formations. When I prepared for my college tryouts, I spent hours watching how midfielders like Luka Modrić create space, and I tried to emulate that during scrimmages. It’s not about copying someone else’s style, but understanding the principles that make them effective.

Of course, tryouts themselves are a unique beast. You’re being evaluated from the moment you arrive, so every detail matters. Show up early—I aim for at least 45 minutes before start time—to warm up properly and show you’re serious. Dress neatly in appropriate gear; it sounds trivial, but it signals professionalism. During drills, go full speed. I’ve seen players save their energy for scrimmages, but coaches notice effort in every phase. And in the scrimmage, play simple and smart. You don’t need to be a hero; you need to be effective. Make the easy pass, track back on defense, and support your teammates. Remember that basketball star? His success came from being the fulcrum, not just the flashy scorer. In soccer, that might mean being the midfielder who always provides an outlet or the defender who reads the game well. Lastly, don’t forget recovery. After each tryout session, I do light stretching and hydrate with an electrolyte drink—about 16 ounces within an hour—to reduce soreness and be ready for the next day.

Looking back, the journey to making a team is as much about self-discovery as it is about soccer. You learn your limits, your strengths, and what you’re willing to sacrifice. That 6-foot-10 athlete didn’t become a MVP overnight; he put in the work, stayed disciplined, and embraced his role. Similarly, your tryout success will hinge on how well you prepare across all dimensions—physical, technical, and mental. So lace up those cleats, trust your training, and play with heart. Whether you’re aiming for a school team or a club squad, remember that every great player started somewhere, and with the right approach, this season could be your breakthrough.