How to Prepare Your Child for Soccer Tryouts
(Without Stressing Them Out)
Soccer tryouts can be exciting—and nerve-wracking—for kids. Whether your child is aiming for a recreational team or a competitive squad, the goal is to help them feel confident and ready without piling on pressure.
Here’s a parent’s guide to preparing your child for tryouts in a healthy, supportive way.
1. Focus on Fitness First
Tryouts often involve running, agility drills, and scrimmages. A week or two before:
Go for light jogs or do short sprints together
Add simple footwork drills like side shuffles or quick steps
Keep it fun with timed challenges instead of intense workouts
Good fitness helps your child feel strong and less nervous on tryout day.
2. Refresh the Fundamentals
Most coaches look for solid basics, not fancy tricks. Spend short sessions practicing:
Passing and receiving
Dribbling in tight spaces
First touch control
Simple shooting accuracy
Fifteen minutes a day is plenty—consistency beats marathon sessions.
3. Work on Their Weak Foot
A player who can use both feet stands out. Add in easy drills like:
Passing against a wall with the weak foot
Juggling with the weaker side
Shooting 10 extra goals each day using only the weak foot
4. Build Game Awareness
Tryouts often include small-sided games. Help your child think like a player by asking questions during casual play:
“Where would you pass if someone’s open?”
“What’s the best way to create space?”
Encourage smart decisions, not just speed.
5. Practice Ball Control Under Pressure
Set up challenges that mimic tryout intensity:
Dribble through cones while you count down a timer
Play 1v1 games in the backyard to improve quick thinking
6. Boost Confidence Before the Big Day
Remind your child:
Coaches notice effort and attitude as much as skill
Mistakes are okay—they show you’re trying
Say encouraging phrases like, “Play hard, have fun, and show your energy.”
7. Prep the Logistics Early
Reduce stress by having everything ready the night before:
Clean uniform and practice gear
Properly inflated ball
Water bottle and snacks
Comfortable cleats and shin guards
A calm start sets the tone for the whole day.
8. Teach Tryout Etiquette
Coaches love kids who show respect and hustle. Remind your child to:
Arrive early
Listen attentively and follow directions
Give 100% effort—always jog, never walk
Say “thank you” to the coaches afterward
These small behaviors can make a big difference.
9. Keep Perspective After Tryouts
Celebrate the effort, no matter the outcome. Instead of asking, “Did you make the team?” try:
“What did you enjoy most?”
“What’s something you’re proud of?”
This reinforces confidence regardless of results.
10. Make It Fun
End practice sessions with a game or silly challenge. Tryouts can feel serious, but the love of soccer should always come first.
Final Thought
Preparing for soccer tryouts doesn’t have to mean pressure or stress. With short, fun practices, encouragement, and a calm approach, you can help your child show up confident and ready to give their best—while still loving the game.
