By now you should be well versed with how to nail your football trial. The next step is to master what happens at a football trial so that you aren’t caught off guard when the day finally comes. Knowing exactly what happens will help increase your chances of acing the football trial.
As we know, nerves cannot be escaped at this stage. All the sweaty palms and racing heartbeats because you’re scared of how you’ll perform, to if the recruiters will pick you, everything happens right before and during the football trials.
A key to escaping the nerves especially is reminding yourself that a football trial is mostly about testing your mental strength and physical strength. Trials allow football scouts to see how well you react to pressure during matches and how easy it is for you to fit in a new environment if it so happens.
So don’t panic or overthink it. Believe in yourself, that you can do it, and are going to show them how much of an excellent footballer you are.
Additionally, keep in mind that recruiters are well aware that you’re a good footballer, they simply want to confirm that you’re the star they are looking for.
So now that the nerves are out of the way, the Alicante football Academy has put together some of the best football trial tips to help you impress those recruiters come the trial day.
- Make yourself noticeable as much as possible
For someone trying and hoping to get recruited, it’s important not to hide or shy away from the ball. Rather, you want to be seen, so try to get involved as much as it takes. Work towards receiving the ball and communicate with other players.
It also isn’t a big deal if you don’t receive the ball, just make sure you’re putting in as much effort as possible because recruiters will take note of it.
- Showcase your football skills
In some cases, you will see that the pace of the academy is quicker than what you’ve been doing. When this happens there’s not much that can be done other than adjusting to the current pace on the pitch. Try as much as possible not to overthink it because it could affect your performance.
Keep things simple and focus on showcasing your skills such as sharp passing, getting the ball under control, and a few other techniques. Too much dribbling and showboating isn’t good, stay away from it! Recruiters only need a little taste of your skills, this assures them that you’re qualified for the position.
Know your position and your role. If it requires taking on a player if you’re in an attacking position, do it if it’s the only option. If it so happens that you lose the ball, work hard and track it back.
- Be an impact player
Impact players are the heart and soul of the game. Whatever your position is, goalkeeper or striker, play your role and make the trial process impactful. For the striker, make sure to at least score a goal. For the winger, show off your dribbling skills and excellent pace while running from defence to attack. For the defender, do everything you can to make sure the ball doesn’t get away. Showcase all the throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks.
Recruiters need to know that you can play an excellent game and that they can rely on you. Also as you play remember to communicate. If you appear to be leading the team, recruiters will love it, because ever the team needs this skill.
- A cheerful attitude goes a long way
During the game, you have to keep a cheerful attitude towards your teammates no matter the situation. Support your teammates by encouraging them to work harder. Respect everyone right from your fellow teammates to the management team because it says a lot about your character.
- Believe in yourself
You got invited for the trial because someone saw potential in you. There are lots of players who could have been invited and only you made it. Remind yourself that you already have what it takes and don’t waste time thinking otherwise. Come the trial day, show them exactly what they’ve been looking for.
- You must appear coachable
Recruiters don’t only care about your talent. They are also interested in knowing if they can work well with you. And how do you show them you are?
Ask questions if you don’t understand something
Listen when coaches are talking
Practice what you’ve been taught
Make eye contact and nod when coaches are speaking.
- Act professionally
Act professionally from the minute you arrive at your trial. Remember to stand tall with your shoulders back and chin up. Wear the right uniform for all football specifics. Your manners must be at their best. Be polite, kind, and respectful towards everyone. Make eye contact and ensure your energy levels are high. Nobody wants to work with a lazy athlete.
- Some things are best left on the field
It’s not uncommon to hear certain statements from unsuccessful players such as how their nerves got in their way. How they weren’t prepared for the trial and how they regret that they didn’t do their best. Based on what you’ve learned and how well you’ve trained, do your best and leave the rest for the recruiters to decide. Remember they selected you for a reason and that’s because you have potential.
- Smile and enjoy yourself
You’re playing football because you enjoy it, so why not smile through it. Make sure to enjoy every second of the trial because it’s a rare experience for some people. Even if you don’t get recruited, you learn a lot that could help you in the future.
To sum this up…
That’s how you can impress recruiters when you go for a football trial. Focus on showcasing your skills and techniques, be sharp while on the pitch, your posture should be great, and most importantly don’t let those nerves get in your way. Recruiters don’t expect you to be some kind of “god” on the pitch. Relax do the basics and you’ll ace your trial.
