Tryouts reward preparation you cannot cram. Here is what the two weeks before a tryout should look like.
Two weeks out
- Confirm date, location, check-in time, and required paperwork.
- Break in cleats and shoes now, not the night before.
- Build a short daily routine: movement, position work, conditioning.
One week out
- Taper volume — sharpness beats soreness.
- Practice the specific drills the tryout lists, if published.
- Pack the bag: water, snack, extra shirt, tape, ID, medical form.
Tryout day
- Arrive 30 minutes early and warm up on your own.
- Introduce yourself to a coach by name.
- Hustle between stations — evaluators notice effort first.
After
Send a short thank-you note and ask for one thing to work on. That single question separates memorable athletes from the rest of the roster sheet.