How to Successfully Prepare for Your Next Sports Try Out and Make the Team

I remember watching Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's journey through the PBA 49th Season, and something really struck me about his approach to preparation. Here was an NBA veteran coming into a different league, adapting his game, and ultimately winning not one but two championships with TNT. His recent announcement about returning next season tells me he's found something that works - a preparation formula worth examining. Having coached athletes at various levels for over fifteen years, I've seen firsthand how proper tryout preparation separates those who make teams from those who go home disappointed. What fascinates me about Hollis-Jefferson's case is how he demonstrated that success isn't just about raw talent - it's about strategic preparation that continues even after you've made the team.

When I analyze Hollis-Jefferson's PBA performance, the numbers speak volumes about his preparation quality. During the Commissioner's Cup alone, he averaged around 32 points and 12 rebounds per game - impressive stats that don't happen by accident. But what really stood out to me was watching how he adapted his game to the Philippine style of basketball. He didn't just rely on his NBA experience; he studied local players, understood the faster pace, and adjusted his defensive positioning accordingly. This level of specific preparation is exactly what I advise athletes facing tryouts. You need to research the team's playing style, understand what coaches value, and tailor your preparation accordingly. I've seen too many talented players show up to tryouts displaying generic skills when coaches are looking for specific fit. Hollis-Jefferson understood that TNT needed someone who could both score and facilitate, so he worked on his playmaking alongside his scoring.

Physical preparation is obvious, but where most athletes fail is in the mental game. During my playing days, I'd spend at least 40% of my preparation time on mental conditioning - visualization, scenario planning, pressure simulation. Hollis-Jefferson's performance in clutch moments during the PBA finals showed this mental toughness. He wasn't just physically prepared; he was mentally ready for high-pressure situations. What I personally believe separates successful tryout participants is their ability to handle mistakes gracefully. I've watched countless athletes ruin their chances by letting one bad play affect their entire performance. The best advice I can give? Practice recovering from errors during your preparation. Set up drills where you intentionally make mistakes then immediately recover with excellent play. This builds mental resilience that coaches notice.

Nutrition and recovery are aspects most athletes underestimate in their preparation. From what I've gathered about professional setups like TNT's, their players follow meticulously planned nutrition schedules, especially during crucial periods. I'd estimate Hollis-Jefferson probably consumed around 4,500-5,000 calories daily during peak season, with specific macronutrient timing. While your tryout preparation might not require that level of intensity, the principle remains: fuel properly. In my experience, athletes who optimize their nutrition in the 72 hours before tryouts perform significantly better. I'm particularly passionate about hydration - starting proper hydration at least three days out makes a noticeable difference in endurance and reaction time.

Skill-specific preparation requires brutal honesty about your weaknesses. What I admired about Hollis-Jefferson's adaptation to the PBA was how he worked on his outside shooting, recognizing that the three-point line difference required adjustment. He reportedly spent extra hours daily specifically on range adjustment. This targeted approach is what I always recommend. Identify the 2-3 skills most valuable to the team you're trying out for and make them your focus. If it's a defensive-minded coach, prioritize defensive drills. If they value basketball IQ, study game footage and work on your decision-making. Personally, I'm a big believer in filming your practice sessions - the camera doesn't lie about what needs improvement.

The final piece that many miss is what happens after you make the team. Hollis-Jefferson's decision to return to TNT speaks volumes about building ongoing relationships and continuous improvement. Making the team isn't the finish line; it's the starting point. In my coaching career, I've noticed that athletes who prepare with the long game in mind often have more sustainable careers. They're not just preparing for a tryout; they're preparing for a season, for a partnership with coaches and teammates. This mindset shift alone can change how you approach preparation - from something temporary to part of your identity as an athlete.

Looking at successful athletes like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reveals that preparation is both science and art. The science involves the measurable elements - hours in the gym, nutritional planning, skill repetition. The art involves adaptability, mental fortitude, and understanding context. What works for me in coaching might not work for everyone, but the principles remain consistent. Preparation isn't just about making the team; it's about belonging there once you do. As Hollis-Jefferson demonstrated through his championship performance and decision to return, proper preparation creates foundations for ongoing success rather than just momentary achievement. The athletes who understand this distinction are the ones who build careers rather than just making teams.