Every spring or fall, coaches of different sports throughout the U.S. and Canada choose their team. It could be an all-star team, or a “select” travel team. Regardless of the terminology, it can be a challenge to narrow down the selection process.
Traits to Look for During Tryouts
Coaches always look for certain obvious characteristics such as size, speed, and talent. Those traits tend to be fairly apparent after only one or two practices, which is perhaps why too many coaches only hold short tryout periods when selecting their team. While those traits can certainly be important, there are some other qualities that a youth coach would do well to keep in mind if they want to build a true “team” and enjoy the benefits of a group that not only plays well together, but also gets along well.
Players Who Demonstrate Commitment to the Team
Most young players play their chosen sport because they like the sport and want to have fun. That’s as it should be. However, if they are playing as a member of a high-level “team” it demands more effort and it is helpful to the coach to know he has committed players. Training and practices can take up a fair bit of time. A coach needs keen players and committed parents that he or she knows are willing to put in the time, but there is more to it than that – attitude is key.
Qualities to Look for That Make for a Great Team Player
A dream player should show a very positive attitude. That includes listening skills, a willingness to try things and to work on the parts of their game that need to be developed.
A player who respects his or her teammates, the opposition, their coaches, game officials and parents is what coaches should be looking for. The young player who is willing to “play anywhere” to help the team is a special contributor. Many players are unwilling to change from the “position” they always play, even in a pinch. Players who will “take one for the team” are sometimes hard to find, but worth keeping.
Many players think they work hard, but a coach should be able to assess those who put out extra effort, who work out on their own, who give everything they have, even if they may be a bit short on the talent side of the equation. Also, players who acknowledge their own errors and don’t turn around and blame a teammate show leadership. In addition, a player who doesn’t put down or criticize fellow players on the field of play, but rather supports and encourages them when their teammate is struggling is a treasure.
Humility may seem to be an odd thing to include, especially in an age where society – and rightly so – stresses the importance of good self-esteem. However, on occasion young athletes, perhaps because they copy the “pros”, can become very self-oriented and selfish in their play. The young player who can avoid this natural temptation and in addition, does not constantly draw undue attention to their efforts or individual success is a great fit on any team.
Someone who welcomes new players to the team shows another important trait. Many “select” or all-star teams become "closed shops", with the same players “making” the team year after year with almost a sense of entitlement- even if they don’t put the required effort into it. Those who make new players feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable can help inspire better team harmony.
Negative Traits That Can Harm a Youth Team
Sometimes young players display negative body language. They become upset with their teammates’ mistakes; react poorly to coaching, etc.. A player who not only loves the game but shows it by their positive energy and enthusiasm can be an invaluable member of the team because their positive energy can rub off on their teammates. Players who have a tendency to blame others can bring down an entire team.
Players who constantly talk back to the coaches or officials are toxic and their behavior may spread throughout the team. It may not be easy to detect this trait in a short tryout process, but there are signs to watch for. For example, how a player interacts with other players or even how they act toward their own parents may give a small indication of what a coach may be inheriting.
Coaches should be wary of players who are “followers”, those who simply follow the lead of others who display some of the negative traits mentioned above. Look for players who are individuals and through their character and behaviour reflect important “team” values.
Win or “Lose” – it Can be a Great Season
Coaches will always want to ‘win”. That’s a natural inclination, particularly in competitive youth sports. Identifying real team players is an opportunity for coaches to show their leadership.
Finding a balanced approach that ensures that the team is comprised of not only the biggest, fastest and most talented, but also includes those who treat others with respect, display a positive attitude, and are good teammates, may make the season successful in ways far more important than the win and loss column.
Mary-Louise Langlois - Mary-Louise Langlois has been a freelance writer since 1978, with “time off” to raise her four children. She is a graduate ...
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