Didn’t make the team? The season isn’t over you can still get back on the squad.
The Big V season is about to kick off as with most state league’s in Australia. Did you make a team? If you did congratulations if not don’t be disheartened. I have not made the cut so many times in my career. The key is to not give up! Cliché? Maybe so, but lets try my advice below.
Disclaimer: Writing this post I am assuming that you spent most of the preseason training with the team. Don’t expect the advice I am going to give you is going to work if you just attended one or two sessions.
If you have been cut the first step is to speak to the coach. Begin by thanking the coach for allowing you to train with the team and begin by asking him/her what you need to work on to be able to make the team next year. Ask advice on drills and advice on improving. By doing this it shows the coach that you are keen and want to make the team. Coaches love coaching and players that are willing to listen and show commitment are easily coachable. This leaves a mark on a coach.
Putting emotion aside below are some questions to ask the coach.
- What do I need to improve on to make the team next year?
- What drills and programs do you recommend?
- What sort of player are you looking for? What skills will complement the team you are looking to put together?
- Can I still be involved with your program? Can I train with the team?
Question #4 is a gem. This is the one question I always ask coaches when I don’t make the cut or join a team mid-season. This is the perfect way to eventually get a game during the season. By training with the team you get to know the team and plays. Also the bonding with the team is the most important. Remember, during the season people will get injured and some cases leave. By hanging around and training with the team if there’s vacant positions during the season it is easy to slot in.
This is exactly what I did for my first season with the Melbourne Tigers. I didn’t make the under 20’s squad for team 3 but I kept training with the 1st and 2nd under 20’s team and improved. During the season I suited up and played for the 3rd team.
It’s all up to you. If you have been cut don’t throw in the towel. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team and went on to be the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Ask the questions and train with the team. Your time will come!
Didn’t make the team? What’s your next step? Comment below and tell me, maybe I could connect you to a coach or someone that can help.
