Ten mistakes players make at trials, and how to avoid them

Coaches who run trials see the same mistakes every time. Most of them have nothing to do with ability. Here are the ten we hear about most, with the fix for each.

1. Arriving late or arriving flustered

The trial starts when you walk in. Arrive early, kit ready, boots clean. Know the address the day before. A player who arrives running is already behind.

2. Playing out of position to impress

If you are a full-back, play as a full-back. Drifting into midfield to get more touches tells the coach you do not understand your role. Do your job well first.

3. Trying the spectacular thing

One step-over that works does not make up for three that do not. Coaches are looking for decisions, not tricks. Play the simple pass when it is the right pass.

4. Going quiet

A player who never talks to teammates looks like he does not care. Call for the ball. Organise. Encourage. Communication is one of the few things a coach can hear from the sideline.

5. Sulking after a mistake

Everyone misplaces a pass. The coach watches what you do in the next ten seconds. Chase the ball. Get back. Head up.

6. Hiding when things go badly

If the team is losing, some players stop asking for the ball. That is exactly when coaches notice who still wants it.

7. Ignoring the instructions

If the coach says “two touches”, play two touches. If the drill is about pressing, press. Following instructions is part of the test, not a distraction from it.

8. Playing like it is a final

Reckless tackles and shouting at referees do not read as passion. They read as a problem the club does not want.

9. Not warming up properly

Pulled muscles in the first ten minutes end more trials than bad performances. Do the warm-up you do before matches, fully.

10. Making it about the result

You may be on the weaker side. You may lose six-nil. The coach is still watching you, and only you. Play your game to the last minute.

Before you go

Watch your own clips on your Go2Pro Passport the night before. Not to admire them, but to remind yourself what you do well. Then go and do that.