Tryouts can be a hockey parent’s least favourite time of the year, but it doesn’t have to be.
Tryouts mean a new season is on the horizon. For most it means a new team, new coaches, and new parents to work together to achieve a common goal – a successful and fun winter. Here are some of the ways you can get through tryout season with a smile on you and your little hockey player’s face.
- Focus on your son or daughter only. There is no time for comparing your child to others. Focusing on your child holds you and your child accountable. You can only control yourself not anybody else so there is no use to compare and put your child’s confidence at risk.
- Have an optimistic attitude at all times. Spread positivity to your child. Your positive attitude will rub off onto your child and give them confidence, which will translate onto the ice.
- Giving feedback is always important during tryouts. If you notice something that you know your child can do better, positively instruct them how to do so, in order for them to be better for the next session.
- Giving your child perspective is also a great way to keep you both level headed. Reminding them that it is all about having fun at the end of the day, also that if they don’t make the team this time around, there are other teams they can try out for with the potential to be called up. As well, that if they do not make the team, just keep in my mind that team may not have been the best fit for them anyways and would not have been fun for them.
All of the above will help alleviate the pressure your young hockey player may feel during tryouts. It will also help you stay grounded throughout tryout season. An important statistic to remember is that 98% of kids that play hockey will never play University or in the NHL, so simply take it easy during tryouts and enjoy the experience.
As for tips for children heading into tryouts there are three important things to help you stand out.
- Coaches pay attention to your effort and attitude at all times. The good thing is that those are two things you can control. So giving 100% at all times and having a good attitude will help you stand out.
- Pay attention and ask questions when needed. Paying attention shows that you are coachable, and being coachable proves to a coach that you have lots of potential.
- Always arrive on time. Arriving on time shows that you are respectful and prepared. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So arrive on time and hit the ice ready to go.