How to Prepare Your Child for Soccer Tryouts: A Complete Guide for Twin Cities Parents

Quick Answer

Soccer tryouts can be exciting, stressful, and emotional—for both players and parents. The best way to prepare isn't by cramming extra training into the week before tryouts. It's by helping your child build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, stay physically prepared, and arrive with a positive mindset.

The goal of tryouts isn't to be perfect. It's to show coaches the best version of your child.

Start Preparing Weeks Before Tryouts

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the week before tryouts to start practicing.

Player development happens over time.

Ideally, players should begin preparing 4–8 weeks before tryouts by focusing on technical skills, fitness, and confidence.

Consistent practice almost always beats last-minute training.

Focus on Technical Skills

No matter what position your child plays, coaches notice players who are comfortable on the ball.

The most important skills to work on include:

• First Touch

Can your child control the ball cleanly under pressure?

A good first touch gives players more time to make good decisions.

• Passing

Players should be able to complete simple, accurate passes with both feet.

Coaches value players who keep possession.

• Ball Control

Players should feel confident dribbling in tight spaces and changing direction quickly.

Confidence on the ball helps players stand out.

• Receiving Under Pressure

Many turnovers happen because players struggle with their first touch.

Practicing with a wall or partner is one of the easiest ways to improve.

Improve Soccer Fitness

Players don't need to become marathon runners.

Instead, focus on movements used during games:

• Short sprints

• Quick changes of direction

• Agility

• Balance

• Recovery between efforts

Being fit allows players to perform at their best throughout the entire tryout.

Play Small-Sided Games

One of the best ways to prepare for tryouts is simply playing soccer.

Small-sided games help players develop:

• Decision-making

• Awareness

• Communication

• Creativity

• Confidence

Game-like repetitions are more valuable than endless running drills.

Build Confidence Before Tryouts

Confidence doesn't come from parents saying,

"You'll make the team."

Confidence comes from preparation.

Help your child feel confident by reminding them of:

• Their hard work

• Their improvement

• Their strengths

• Their love of the game

The goal is to reduce pressure—not increase it.

Help Your Child Control the Controllables

Players can't control:

• Coach decisions

• Other players

• Team placements

They can control:

• Effort

• Attitude

• Communication

• Hustle

• Coachability

Those are the things coaches notice every day.

What Coaches Look for During Soccer Tryouts

Many parents believe coaches only evaluate goals and flashy moves.

In reality, most coaches look for complete players.

• Positive Attitude

Players who encourage teammates and stay positive leave a lasting impression.

• Coachability

Can the player listen and quickly apply feedback?

This is one of the most valuable traits coaches look for.

• Work Rate

Players who sprint, defend, recover, and compete consistently often stand out.

Effort is impossible to ignore.

• Decision-Making

Coaches notice players who make smart decisions under pressure.

Simple soccer played well is often more effective than trying to do something spectacular.

• Teamwork

Soccer is a team sport.

Players who communicate, support teammates, and move without the ball often impress coaches more than individual dribbling.

The Night Before Tryouts

Keep things simple.

Make sure your child:

• Gets a good night's sleep

• Eats a healthy dinner

• Packs their equipment

• Drinks plenty of water

• Knows where and when tryouts begin

Avoid late-night training sessions.

Recovery matters.

Tryout Day Tips

Encourage your child to:

• Arrive Early

Being early reduces stress.

• Introduce Themselves

Confident communication makes a positive first impression.

• Warm Up Properly

Dynamic movement helps players feel ready before tryouts begin.

• Play Their Game

Players should avoid trying skills they've never practiced.

Trust preparation.

Bounce Back From Mistakes

Every player makes mistakes.

Coaches often pay more attention to how players respond than the mistake itself.

What Parents Should Avoid

Parents naturally want the best for their children, but certain behaviors can increase pressure.

Avoid saying:

• "You have to make the A team."

• "Don't make mistakes."

• "The coach is watching you."

Instead, try:

• "Have fun."

• "Compete."

• "Work hard."

• "Enjoy the opportunity."

The less pressure players feel, the more likely they are to perform naturally.

If Your Child Doesn't Make the Team They Hoped For

Not making the top team can feel disappointing.

However, one tryout does not define a player's future.

Some of the biggest improvements happen after setbacks.

Use the experience to ask:

• What went well?

• What skills need improvement?

• What can we work on before the next season?

Growth happens over time.

What We See at Level Up Soccer Coaching

Every year, we work with Twin Cities players preparing for club and competitive soccer tryouts.

The athletes who stand out aren't always the fastest or strongest.

They're the players who:

• Stay confident under pressure

• Make smart decisions

• Have a clean first touch

• Work hard every play

• Communicate well

• Show they are coachable

Our tryout preparation sessions focus on helping players improve the technical skills and confidence coaches notice most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should my child start preparing for soccer tryouts?

Ideally, players should begin preparing four to eight weeks before tryouts. This provides enough time to improve skills, fitness, and confidence without feeling rushed.

Should my child do private soccer training before tryouts?

Private training can be beneficial for players who want personalized coaching, technical improvement, or additional confidence before evaluations.

What do soccer coaches look for at tryouts?

Most coaches evaluate technical skills, decision-making, effort, attitude, communication, coachability, and teamwork—not just goals or flashy moves.

What if my child has a bad tryout?

One difficult day does not define a player. Encourage your child to learn from the experience, continue developing, and remember that improvement comes with consistent practice over time.

Final Thoughts

Soccer tryouts can feel intimidating, but they are also an opportunity for growth.

The players who perform their best are rarely the ones putting the most pressure on themselves. They're the ones who arrive prepared, stay positive, compete hard, and trust the work they've already put in.

Whether your child makes the team they hoped for or faces a setback, every tryout is another step in their development as a player and a person.

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