Deco Team will be hosting open tryouts for the 2013 season. We are looking for 3-5 fully dedicated riders that are committed to putting in the time and effort needed to compete and excel at a high level. We would prefer some select bmx experience, although it is not completely necessary. We are not interested in riders that tend to team hop since our goal is to establish a solid group that will grow together as a team and that will exhibit good sportsmanship, dedication, teamwork and a passion for the game of bmx. Our program is designed to teach, develop and encourage the play of riding while having fun and competing at a high level. We plan on participating in at least 2 tournaments a month. If our requirements and goals sound good to you and you believe you have what it takes to be a part of Deco SQUAD, we look forward to seeing you at tryouts this Sunday! Contact Coach Chad for time and place at Chad@decobmx.com
"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars, but if they don't ride together, the team won't be worth a dime."
Pre-tryout
It will not benefit you to go into a tryout without having practiced. Make sure to brush up on your skills for at least a couple weeks leading up to the tryout. You’ll also want to ride in different spots. Make sure to practice manuals, too!
Lastly, you will be expected to ride everything. Get some conditioning workouts in before your tryout to increase your stamina and agility. Riding ramps, parking lots, dirt jumps, and stretching thoroughly will put you in tip-top shape for tryouts.
If you really want a head start, wake up early to get morning practice before tryouts. Focus on the fundamentals and you'll be ahead of the game come the big day.
Show up early and be prepared
No coach will be thrilled with a latecomer; in fact, it may kill your chances of making the team. Being on time for a tryout means being at least 15 minutes early with any pre-registration form already completed. You do not want to be straggling with your bike while every other player is fully dressed and waiting on
you to begin the tryout.
Likewise, there is almost nothing worse than being unprepared at a tryout, so make sure you have everything you need. You may want to pack your bag the night before to ensure that you don’t miss a thing: Hat, shoes, helmet, tools, extra tube, iphone, Gopro, and water.
Whatever you do, leave your nerves at home. You are at a tryout because you have the skills and you want to be there. Don’t let your nervousness get the best of you!
Skills and positions
You will be asked what form of riding you do. Make sure the coaches are aware of your primary riding, but take some repetitions from as many forms as possible. You should never tell a coach that you are not willing to ride a certain way. Hustle to where you are directed, and try your hardest on that obstacle.
Bunny hop, spin, twist, and use style. Sell out for every move. You should never leave a tryout donning a sparkling clean uniform. Show the coaches that you are a well-rounded player and willing to ride anywhere.
When you are trying out each form of riding, be aware of what they entail. Coaches will be looking for certain abilities:
- At a skate park, you will be expected to be able to anticipate where every ramp will put you and be fearless of all ramps.
- Street riding, you’ll be expected to have great range, good eye, a good sense of direction, and aggressiveness on terrain.
- On the flat ground, you will be expected to have flow and style, have outstanding style and a powerful moves, be able to ride with distractions, expect the elements, and improve quickly.
Be supportive and loud
Be vocal. You want to stand out during a tryout so do not be mute or unresponsive. When other riders are up, cheer for them. Pick them up. If you were them, wouldn't you want to have the same support?
If you are a positive person and supportive of others while trying your hardest, you will surely be noticed. Also, respond to any and all feedback, whether it’s coming from the coaches or the riders. Thank them for advice and prove to them that you are actively listening, not just hearing their words.
Be a leader
Coaches are looking for leaders, which means that you should take it upon yourself to take charge! Do not be shy to be first on your bike. When a coach has to wait for someone to step up and be the first to go, it can get frustrating, and they will likely be less inclined to select a rider who appears tentative. Step up and be a leader. Even if you are the first player to ride, so be it. It’s definitely for your benefit.
Good luck
If you decide to go to a tryout, play hard. You are there because you want to be there. While it is definitely a competition against every other rider at the tryout, make sure you have fun. Show the coaches that you love the sport and it will be evident in your performance.
Lastly, have high expectations for yourself. Forget your nerves and breathe. Be calm, composed, and confident, and you will be in the best position to do great!
Don't look like these people, get in the game.
