How to Prepare for a Baseball Tryout: A Complete Guide for Players and Parents

Whether you're aiming to make your first travel team or earn a spot on a higher-level roster, preparing for a baseball tryout is about more than just showing up. It’s about showing up ready. At Beach City Baseball Academy, we’ve worked with hundreds of players through the tryout process, and we know what it takes to stand out. Below is our step-by-step guide to help you show up with confidence, focus, and the right mindset.

1. Start Preparing Early

Success begins before the tryout day. Give yourself at least two to three weeks to ramp up your training so you’re physically and mentally ready.

Focus on:

Arm care and throwing progression

Ease your arm into shape with regular, progressive long toss.

Swing reps and tee work

Get your timing down, clean up your mechanics, and get comfortable in the box.

Conditioning

Build stamina with short bursts of cardio and agility drills. Tryouts are often fast paced and high energy.

2. Know What to Expect

Every program is different, but most tryouts assess:

Throwing velocity and accuracy

Infield and outfield fundamentals

Hitting mechanics and power

Baserunning speed and instincts

Attitude, coachability, and hustle

At Beach City Baseball Academy, we also evaluate how well you work with others, how focused you are when you're not the center of attention, and whether you show signs of growth potential, not just raw talent.

3. Bring the Right Gear

Make sure you’re fully equipped and game ready:

Bat, glove, helmet, cleats, batting gloves

Proper baseball attire including baseball pants, belt, tucked in shirt, and hat

Water and a small snack

Positive attitude and open mind

Do not be the player asking to borrow a glove or looking lost without gear. It reflects poorly on your preparation.

4. Show Up Early and Be Ready to Go

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, check in, stretch, and get loose. Coaches notice players who take initiative.

Warm up your arm before you are told

Stay active and alert.

Do not slouch or hang back

Introduce yourself to coaches if they don’t already know you

5. Control What You Can Control

You cannot control how many players show up or how talented they are. But you can control your:

Effort – Hustle on and off the field

Energy – Be vocal, supportive, and focused

Body language – Shake off mistakes and stay positive

Respect – Listen closely when coaches speak and follow instructions

Sometimes a player who is 80 percent as talented gets picked over someone flashier because they are more coachable and consistent.

6. Prepare Mentally

Tryouts can be stressful. Do not let your nerves take over.

Visualize success before you arrive

Take a deep breath before each rep

Focus on doing your best rather than being the best

Parents, your role matters here. Encourage, support, and avoid over coaching. Let the players take ownership of the process.

7. Follow Up if Appropriate

After the tryout, a short thank you email shows maturity and appreciation. If you did not make the team, do not get discouraged. Ask what you can work on and use the feedback to improve.

Tryouts are not about being perfect. They are about being prepared. At Beach City Baseball Academy, we value potential, effort, and coachability just as much as skill. Come dressed in proper baseball attire, bring your best self, show us who you are, and remember that the work you put in before tryout day will always shine through.

Good luck. We’re rooting for you.