How to Elevate your Basketball Tryout
October 13, 2025
How to Elevate your Basketball Tryout
Basketball tryouts can either inspire athletes or intimidate them. A well-run tryout sets the tone for the season, builds your team culture, and earns trust from families. We've consulted high school and club coaches across Oregon and woven in best practices from the Positive Coaching Alliance to help you host a transparent, efficient, and athlete-focused basketball tryout that reflects the excellence you expect.
Top Must-Dos for Basketball Tryouts
Communicate Early and Often
Send a detailed email to parents and athletes 7–10 days in advance. Include:
Dates, times, and location
What to wear and bring
Check-in instructions
Tryout expectations and evaluation criteria
When and how results will be shared
Design a Clear, Purpose-Driven Tryout Plan
Structure drills that match your in-season system. Include:
Athleticism/Conditioning: Vertical leap, sprints, shuttle runs
Skill Assessment: Ball handling, shooting, passing under pressure
Scrimmage Play: Small-sided and full-court to evaluate decision-making
Coachability: Look for eye contact, attitude, and effort
Standardize Evaluation
Use rubrics or scoring sheets with multiple evaluators. Assign roles:
Lead Coach (timekeeper, rotations)
Station Coaches (skill evaluators)
Floating Evaluators (observe across drills)
Admin Table (attendance, logistics)
Be Inclusive and Transparent
Rotate evaluators to avoid bias
Don’t rank or cut athletes publicly
Consider positional flexibility
Be welcoming to athletes with diverse backgrounds and varying skill levels
Communicate Results Privately and Respectfully
Notify families (not just athletes) with:
Final decision
Practice schedules
Payment/travel requirements
Optional feedback or future development opportunities
Top 5 Tryout “Icks” (And How to Avoid Them)
Governing Body Compliance & Key Dates
High School (OSAA):
Basketball Tryout Window: November 18–22, 2025
All coaches must complete OSAA/OSAAtoday required certifications:
NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
Concussion in Sports
Heat Illness Prevention
Oregon-specific Safety Training (via OSAA platform)
Club (AAU / USA Basketball):
Tryouts generally start in February/March 2026 for Spring/Summer travel
Coaches must:
Complete AAU Membership & Background Check
Take PCA/AAU Positive Coaching modules
Be SafeSport Certified (mandatory)
Recommended Pre-Tryout Training for Coaches
Positive Coaching Alliance Workshops
USA Basketball Coach Academy
NFHS Learn Courses (Free and Paid)
A great tryout sets the foundation for a great season. When coaches plan with clarity and fairness, athletes feel confident and motivated to perform. Lead with transparency, and you’ll build trust that lasts beyond the first whistle.