6 answers
Maurice
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
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how can you play for a basketball team without being offered?
how can you play for a basketball team without being offered?
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There is always something called a "walk-on" where any student at a college can try out for a team, and attempt tp be named to a practice squad or a reserve position.
Normally these try outs are advertised by the athletic department.
One suggestion, that I might make is creating an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter.
Trying out for athletic teams is a lot like applying for a job, and having a resume can provide background for coaches and enable them to see what potential you have.
During the off season create an athletic resume and cover letter, (there are examples on the internet. The resume should provide information on your athletic skills, abilities, positions, awards, academics, and other elements of your athletic history.
Then send the resume and cover letter to the coach. Not through email, but through direct postage. He gets thousands of emails each week, and you want a personal letter to land right on his desk.
I have used this method with my student athletes and it has been very successful.
Normally these try outs are advertised by the athletic department.
One suggestion, that I might make is creating an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter.
Trying out for athletic teams is a lot like applying for a job, and having a resume can provide background for coaches and enable them to see what potential you have.
During the off season create an athletic resume and cover letter, (there are examples on the internet. The resume should provide information on your athletic skills, abilities, positions, awards, academics, and other elements of your athletic history.
Then send the resume and cover letter to the coach. Not through email, but through direct postage. He gets thousands of emails each week, and you want a personal letter to land right on his desk.
I have used this method with my student athletes and it has been very successful.
Juanita Brown
Vendor operations specialist
21
Answers
Apopka, Florida
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
Hey Maurice! You can reach out to the teams to see when they have open try outs! Even if you aren't offered you can go in as a walk in! If you do, make sure you nail it!
Good luck!
Good luck!
John Lee
ATHLETIC TRAINER
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
John’s Answer
Explore various programs at different levels to check if they offer open tryouts. A lot of junior and community colleges host these tryouts. While you might not secure a scholarship, there's a chance you could be invited to join the team as a walk-on. If your initial attempt doesn't pan out, don't give up. Keep training and improving. Consider contacting the women's team to inquire about becoming a practice player. Having spent considerable time in college athletics, I can assure you that simply being immersed in the sport, observing and listening, can significantly boost your understanding and skill. Best of luck!
Ana Anaya
International Marketing Manager, CRM
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Ana’s Answer
Hi Maurice,
Most college teams will have an option for walk-ons. These are students who were not recruited for the team but can attend tryouts and attempt to get on the team. You will be surprised at the amazing athletes who were actually college walk-ons.
Scottie Pippen (yep, it's true)
Jeff Hornacek
Andre Drummond
Adam Emmenecker
Most college teams will have an option for walk-ons. These are students who were not recruited for the team but can attend tryouts and attempt to get on the team. You will be surprised at the amazing athletes who were actually college walk-ons.
Ana recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Maurice,
I'd like to share some strategies with you on how to build a successful career in basketball and make it to the NBA. The road to becoming a professional NBA player is demanding, but with the right combination of dedication, effort, talent, and resilience, you can achieve your dream. Here is a roadmap to help you:
1. Hone Your Skills: Regularly work on enhancing your basketball skills. This includes shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, and your overall understanding of the game. Participate in camps, clinics, and training sessions to further refine your abilities.
2. Maintain Your Commitment: Basketball success demands steadfast commitment and dedication. Be disciplined in your training routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices to reach your full potential.
3. Seek Expert Advice: Collaborate with seasoned coaches, trainers, and mentors who can offer valuable insights and guidance to help you grow as a player. They can also help you navigate the competitive landscape of basketball.
4. Play at a Competitive Level: Join competitive teams like AAU programs, high school varsity teams, and possibly college teams to display your skills against top-tier talent. This exposure and competition will enhance your game.
5. Prioritize Academics: Keep your grades up, as academic eligibility is key for securing scholarships and playing at the college level. Many NBA players have pursued college education before entering the league.
6. Participate in Showcases and Tournaments: Engage in basketball showcases, tournaments, and combines where scouts and recruiters might be present. These events allow you to demonstrate your skills and catch the attention of college coaches or NBA scouts.
7. Maintain Physical Fitness: Look after your body by adhering to a suitable fitness routine, ensuring sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and preventing injuries with proper warm-ups and conditioning exercises.
8. Set Achievable Goals: While aiming for the NBA is commendable, it's vital to set short-term, attainable goals along your journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones as you move towards your ultimate goal.
9. Build Your Network: Forge relationships with coaches, players, scouts, and others in the basketball community. Networking can lead to opportunities like scholarships, tryouts, or introductions to influential contacts.
10. Trust in Your Abilities: Confidence is key to success. Believe in your skills, stay optimistic during setbacks, and uphold a strong work ethic to conquer challenges along your path.
Remember, the journey to the NBA is fiercely competitive, but with determination, hard work, and strategic planning, you can enhance your chances of realizing your dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level.
11. Only the best nutrition https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Basketball Association (NBA): The NBA's official website offers valuable insights on player development pathways, draft eligibility requirements, scouting processes, and career advice for aspiring basketball players.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): The NCAA website provides information on collegiate athletics regulations, scholarship opportunities for student-athletes, academic requirements for eligibility, and guidelines for transitioning from college to professional sports.
Basketball Coaches Association: Professional basketball coaches' associations regularly share resources on skill development drills, training techniques, and career guidance for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition like the NBA.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
I'd like to share some strategies with you on how to build a successful career in basketball and make it to the NBA. The road to becoming a professional NBA player is demanding, but with the right combination of dedication, effort, talent, and resilience, you can achieve your dream. Here is a roadmap to help you:
1. Hone Your Skills: Regularly work on enhancing your basketball skills. This includes shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, and your overall understanding of the game. Participate in camps, clinics, and training sessions to further refine your abilities.
2. Maintain Your Commitment: Basketball success demands steadfast commitment and dedication. Be disciplined in your training routine, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices to reach your full potential.
3. Seek Expert Advice: Collaborate with seasoned coaches, trainers, and mentors who can offer valuable insights and guidance to help you grow as a player. They can also help you navigate the competitive landscape of basketball.
4. Play at a Competitive Level: Join competitive teams like AAU programs, high school varsity teams, and possibly college teams to display your skills against top-tier talent. This exposure and competition will enhance your game.
5. Prioritize Academics: Keep your grades up, as academic eligibility is key for securing scholarships and playing at the college level. Many NBA players have pursued college education before entering the league.
6. Participate in Showcases and Tournaments: Engage in basketball showcases, tournaments, and combines where scouts and recruiters might be present. These events allow you to demonstrate your skills and catch the attention of college coaches or NBA scouts.
7. Maintain Physical Fitness: Look after your body by adhering to a suitable fitness routine, ensuring sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and preventing injuries with proper warm-ups and conditioning exercises.
8. Set Achievable Goals: While aiming for the NBA is commendable, it's vital to set short-term, attainable goals along your journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones as you move towards your ultimate goal.
9. Build Your Network: Forge relationships with coaches, players, scouts, and others in the basketball community. Networking can lead to opportunities like scholarships, tryouts, or introductions to influential contacts.
10. Trust in Your Abilities: Confidence is key to success. Believe in your skills, stay optimistic during setbacks, and uphold a strong work ethic to conquer challenges along your path.
Remember, the journey to the NBA is fiercely competitive, but with determination, hard work, and strategic planning, you can enhance your chances of realizing your dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level.
11. Only the best nutrition https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos?
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Basketball Association (NBA): The NBA's official website offers valuable insights on player development pathways, draft eligibility requirements, scouting processes, and career advice for aspiring basketball players.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): The NCAA website provides information on collegiate athletics regulations, scholarship opportunities for student-athletes, academic requirements for eligibility, and guidelines for transitioning from college to professional sports.
Basketball Coaches Association: Professional basketball coaches' associations regularly share resources on skill development drills, training techniques, and career guidance for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition like the NBA.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Jeff Weisser
Training Program Manager
12
Answers
New Britain, Connecticut
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Maurice -- I'd also suggest broadening the number of places you'd be willing to play basketball. For instance, if you're focused on D1 schools, maybe consider some D2 or D3 schools. If you're looking at D3 schools maybe consider junior college/community college. Always keep in touch with the places you'd like to play so if you don't end up at your top choice, you can go back to them later and show your progress and success. Which will make you a more attractive prospect.
In an email include some information about yourself, specific reasons why that program is attractive to you/why you'd like to play there, and how you as a person (in addition to you as a basketball player) are a good fit for that program.
Pick your top choices and email the head coaches
Pick your second tier choices and email the head coaches
Pick your third tier choices and email the head coaches
In an email include some information about yourself, specific reasons why that program is attractive to you/why you'd like to play there, and how you as a person (in addition to you as a basketball player) are a good fit for that program.
Jeff recommends the following next steps: