Before summer tryouts. Here's what to say.
The tryout that doesn't have a season behind it. Higher stakes, less context. The script for the morning of.
What they're feeling
- · Stomach-in-knots nervous, often more than season tryouts.
- · Aware that summer tryouts feel like an audition with no warm-up.
- · Worried about who else is trying out.
What to say (pick one)
- "Just play your game today."
- "Whatever happens, we go get food after."
- "Tell me one thing you're going to focus on."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "You have to make it."
- "Don't blow this."
- "Coach said he was looking for you."
The rule
Tryouts are an audition for one day. Not a verdict on the kid.
If they bring it up
- · If they want to walk through their plan, listen. Don't add.
- · If they go silent, let them. Quiet is part of pre-game.
- · If they cry, sit in it. The car can wait one more minute.
Save this
Before summer tryouts
- · One thing to focus on. That's it.
- · Promise food after, not a result.
- · Whatever happens, the kid is the same kid.
parentcoachplaybook.com/scripts
You might also need
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The morning of. Stomach in knots. Saying they don't want to go. The script that calms without dismissing.
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Tears in the parking lot. Slamming the car door. Shutting down. The script for the moments words don't reach yet.
Your kid had a bad game. Here's what to say.
What to say in the first 90 seconds when the game went badly. The script that protects the relationship and the rest of the week.