8 Quick Reasons You Won’t Make the Team (or Get Playing Time) 1. Not Skilled Enough to Beat Politics Let’s face it, politics play a part in tryouts. Some coaches have favorites. The only way around it? Be so good they can’t ignore you. And don’t forget to show up for conditioning and chat with the coaches to make a good impression. 2. You Don’t Play Defense 100% Coaches love effort on defense. If you’re not hustling and communicating, you better be dropping 15+ points a game to make up for it. 3. You Don’t Hustle Diving for loose basketballs is cool. Standing around isn't. 4. You Dribble Too Much Efficiency matters. Score within the flow of the offense, especially if you’ve got an old-school coach. 5. You’re Too Passive Tryouts are your time to shine, not sit back. Holding back can be just as bad as hogging the ball. 6. You’re Too Negative Your attitude spreads. If you’re not positive or encouraging, coaches will see you as a problem, not an asset. 7. You Don’t Listen If you don’t follow small instructions, coaches won’t trust you in big moments. Listening is key. 8. You’re Out of Shape Skill without stamina won’t get you far. If you can’t breathe, you can’t play. Get conditioned and don’t miss those lines! Now, Do The Opposite! Your chances of making the team (and getting playing time) will increase if you do the opposite of the above. If your athlete, or a friend, needs help putting this into action, let us know—we're here to help as the season approaches!