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Running Your Tryouts - part 2

Think like a scout

This is a search for hidden talent. Know what you're looking for. But remember - even MLB scouts don't always pick winners!

Pick priorities.
What is it you need most? First find pitchers, then power hitters, catcher, middle infield, etc (Your personal order may be different, but have one!)

Move past obvious.

If a player has one obvious talent you really need (home run power, great glove, whatever) then stop looking at him for the rest of the day - you know he's a pick.

Set targets.
The more specific your need, the more focused you'll be. Check WebBall's Player Norms page for some possible target numbers.

Player Rankings
You must have a scoring/ranking chart. If the co-ordinator only provides a roster list, make your own chart.

Think ahead.
Always scout with the Draft in mind. Could you possibly get every pick you want? How many alternates (utility players) will you need to scout for? Once you have identified your 'star' core, your team will really be built on the quality of your play-anywhere, put-me-in-coach players.

Eliminate early.
Part of the exercise is also deciding who not to look at. Don't waste time with drills that don't have an elimination factor. So, for instance, in the Round the Bags drill, in a normal practice you would keep everybody in, at a tryout one miss (or two) and a player is pulled to the sidelines. (If you don't want that kid to feel bad, have someone available to work with him on that skill, but you keep your focus on the best.)
Defensive Drills

These drills are particularly good for Tryouts. Coaches should make all drill requests to the co-ordinator in advance.

Choose from...


The Draft

Coaches need to have a game plan. Nobody gets all the best players. Success comes from finding workable/trainable talent to fill each slot. Consider your needs and use the ranking chart to identify the possbilities. The minimum you might need (with some overlap, i.e. multi=position players)...
  • Four* Pitchers
  • Five Infielders
  • Four Outfielders
  • Two Catchers
  • Two or Three Power Hitters
  • Two Great Bunters
  • Two Fast Runners
*Four pitchers is a real minimum - you should have at least 6 of your players who can pitch.
[Editor's note from Richard Todd: "I once had a team with 9 guys who could pitch. We gave them as much prep as possible in bullpens, and we could nurse anyone with a sore arm - although we got through the season with no over-use injuries - no surprise there."]


 



Tryout Camps aren't for players, they're for coaches.They're to help you build the team you want, whether it's for a house league, a rep team, or for all-stars. These suggestions may help you set up and run a good try-out and draft.

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