🥍 What to Expect at Club Tryouts

Preparation Tips for a Successful Tryout

Whether it’s your daughter’s first tryout or she’s a seasoned player switching clubs, preparing well can help her walk onto the field with confidence. Each coach and club is different, so please take these tips as a place to start.

Some teams may have an existing core and are only looking for a few key positions to be filled or backed up, especially as teams get older.

Here’s what to expect—and how to set her up for success.

📋 Before the Tryout: What to Prep

✅ Check Registration & Forms Make sure you’ve:

• Completed the club’s online registration form
• Submitted any waivers or health forms
• Entered emergency contact and insurance info

💡 Pro Tip: Most clubs will send a confirmation email—double-check it for important details.

🛡️ Have a Valid USA Lacrosse Membership Many club tryouts require a current USA Lacrosse membership for insurance purposes. You’ll usually be asked to enter or show your membership number when registering. If you don’t already have the membership, check if that is required to even tryout.

👉 Renew or look up your number here.

🎒 Get Equipment Ready (and Comfortable) Tryouts are not the time to break in new gear! Make sure:

• Goggles fit properly and don’t slide
• Cleats are broken in (but not falling apart)
• The stick is game-ready—no cracked heads or fraying strings
• Mouthguard fits snugly and comfortably

💡 Bonus: Pack extra hair ties, water, a towel, and a backup mouthguard just in case.

🎯 Brush Up on Core Skills Your player doesn’t need to be perfect—but sharpening the basics makes a difference:

• Ground balls
• Passing and catching (both hands)
• Dodging and defensive footwork
• Shooting with control and quick release

A few backyard reps or a local skills clinic can go a long way.

🧠 Get in the Right Mindset Coaches are looking for:

• Hustle
• Positive energy
• Coachability

Mistakes are okay, especially in younger ages! What can matter more is how a player recovers, listens, and supports teammates.

🗣️ Try saying: “Play hard, be loud, and lift others up.”

😅 During the Tryout: What to Expect

• Dynamic warm-ups and timed drills
• Stations focusing on skills like 1v1s, shooting, and ground balls
• Scrimmage play to observe decision-making and communication
• Coach observation and notes—often on tablets or clipboards

💡 Encourage your daughter to call for the ball, stay vocal, and encourage others. It stands out.

📬 After the Tryout: What Happens Next

• Some clubs post results the same day; others follow up via email
• Your daughter may be placed on a specific team based on skill level and age
• If there’s no placement, ask if future clinics or development opportunities are available

🎉 Final Tips for Parents

• Pack a small chair and stay upbeat—but avoid coaching from the sideline
• Give your player space to process after the tryout—then talk it through together if they want
• Remind her that tryouts are just one moment in a bigger journey