Quick answer: To prepare for baseball tryouts, get your arm and body ready weeks ahead, practice the basics (throwing, fielding, hitting and running), arrive early with your gear, and hustle on every rep. Coaches look at skill, effort, attitude and how you respond to instruction as much as raw talent.
Key takeaways
- Start preparing weeks before tryouts, and build up throwing slowly.
- Coaches watch the basics: a clean throw, a quiet glove, a balanced swing and good running.
- Attitude counts. Hustle, listen and support teammates.
- Be on time, bring your gear and know your positions.
- Mistakes happen. How you respond shows the coach who you are.
What are baseball tryouts?
Baseball tryouts are a set of drills and games where coaches evaluate players to decide who makes the team and where each one plays. Most tryouts test throwing, fielding, hitting and running, and some add pitching or catching. Coaches also watch how players behave.
Tryouts can feel stressful. The good news is that you can prepare for baseball tryouts and walk in with confidence. Coach Murphy Su’a has coached at the high school, college, professional and international levels for more than 40 years. At Cal State Dominguez Hills he built a nationally ranked NCAA Division II program, and he was head coach at West Los Angeles College from 2017 to 2020. Here is what he teaches players about getting ready.
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What do coaches look for at baseball tryouts?
At baseball tryouts, coaches look for solid fundamentals, athleticism, effort and attitude. A player who throws accurately, fields cleanly, swings with balance and hustles will stand out even if they are not the biggest or strongest.
- Throwing: an accurate, repeatable throw with good footwork. See our guide to how to throw a baseball correctly.
- Fielding: getting in front of ground balls, using two hands and making a clean exchange.
- Hitting: balance, a short path to the ball and good contact.
- Running: hustle out of the box, around the bases and on and off the field.
- Baseball sense: knowing where to throw the ball and what to do in each situation.
- Attitude: how you treat teammates, handle mistakes and listen to the coach.
Coaches also look at coachability, which means how well a player takes instruction and makes a change. A player who nods, tries the new cue and keeps working earns trust fast.
How do you prepare for baseball tryouts?
Start at least several weeks before tryouts. Build up your arm slowly, work on the skills coaches will test and make sure your body is rested and ready.
- Get the arm ready. Start with easy catch and add distance gradually. Do not jump into hard throwing at the last minute. If anything hurts, stop and see a doctor or athletic trainer.
- Practice the basics. Take ground balls, fly balls, tee work and soft toss. Our list of youth baseball drills gives you simple options with reps.
- Work on your running. Practice getting out of the box and running through first base.
- Know your position. Learn what the coach will want at each spot, and practice more than one if you can.
- Get your gear in order. Check your glove, cleats, bat and helmet, and pack water and a snack.
- Sleep and eat well. Rest the night before and eat a normal meal in the morning.
You do not need anything fancy. Steady work on fundamentals beats a last-minute rush.
What are the best baseball tryout tips for the day itself?
The best baseball tryout tips for the day are to arrive early, warm up fully, hustle on every play, communicate with teammates and stay positive after mistakes.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to stretch and loosen the arm. Being on time shows respect.
- Hustle everywhere. Run on and off the field. Coaches notice.
- Talk on the field. Call for the ball and encourage others.
- Listen. If the coach gives you a tip, say yes and try it on the next rep.
- Stay in the moment. Do not dwell on the last error. Reset and get ready for the next play.
- Be a good teammate. Cheer for others, even when you are competing for the same spot.
Keep your routine simple. Take a breath before each rep, set your feet and focus on one thing, whether that is the grip, the first step or the barrel path.
How should you handle nerves and mistakes at tryouts?
Nerves are normal at tryouts. They show you care. Use them by slowing down, breathing and focusing on the next pitch or play instead of the result.
Every player makes mistakes. A bobbled ball or a swing and miss does not end a tryout. Coaches pay close attention to how a player responds. A quick reset and a good next play can earn more respect than a perfect day.
Our guide on mental skills for young athletes covers breathing, routines and self-talk that help on tryout day. If nerves feel overwhelming or last well beyond tryouts, talk with a parent, school counselor or pediatrician.
What should parents do before and during tryouts?
Parents can help most by staying calm, helping with logistics and letting the player and coach talk to each other. Pack the bag, plan to get there early and keep the ride home positive.
- Ask your player how they want to prepare, and support that plan.
- Do not coach from the stands. Let the coach run the tryout.
- After tryouts, ask what went well before you talk about what did not.
- If your player does not make the team, help them ask the coach what to work on next.
Not making a team is hard. It is also a normal part of sports, and many players come back stronger. Our free clinics will be open to all ages and will be a good place to keep building skills in the South Bay. See the free baseball clinics page for details.
What comes after tryouts?
After tryouts, keep working whether or not you made the team. Ask for feedback, pick one or two skills to improve and keep playing catch.
Players aiming for college baseball should also learn how recruiting works. Read our college baseball recruiting guide. Players who want focused help on a specific skill can request one-on-one player development with Coach Su’a for high school, college and professional baseball and softball players.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start preparing for baseball tryouts?
Start at least several weeks ahead. That gives you time to build up arm strength slowly, practice fundamentals and arrive rested. A steady routine is better than a last-minute rush, which can strain the arm.
What should I bring to baseball tryouts?
Bring your glove, cleats, bat if allowed, helmet, hat, water and any paperwork the team asks for. Check the tryout notice for specific rules. Pack the night before so you are not rushing.
Do coaches care more about talent or attitude?
Both matter, but attitude can tip close decisions. Coaches want players who hustle, listen and help teammates. A player with solid skills and a great attitude often earns a spot over a more talented player who does not try.
What if I make a mistake at tryouts?
Reset and focus on the next play. Every player makes errors. Coaches watch how you respond. A quick recovery and good effort show maturity.
Can I try out for more than one position?
Yes. Many coaches like players who can play several positions. Tell the coach which spots you want, practice more than one and show you are willing to go where the team needs you.
What if my child does not make the team?
Help them ask the coach for feedback, pick one or two skills to work on and keep playing. Many players grow from this. If the disappointment seems heavy, talk with a school counselor or pediatrician.
Sources and further reading: MLB Pitch Smart
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