What can I do till my field hockey tryouts to try to make varsity?

Question

I've been playing field hockey since spring of this year (08) and I love it. I'm going into 8th grade next year and then into high school and I would LOVE to make varsity Freshman year. So I have about a year, what should I do to try and make varsity? and what will tryouts be like?

Thanks in advanced!

Answer 1

if your schools like mine, it's pretty hard to make varsity freshman year, but its not impossible. even if your stickwork isnt perfect, sometimes coaches will choose someone that is faster with better stamina over someone whos very skilled but has trouble running. try to go running at least 2-3 times a week (1-2 miles; if you can try to build up to 3-5 miles). Really push yourself with the running but don't kill yourself. make sure you stretch a lot too.

doing sprints helps as well. you can try sprinting up a hill (and jogging back down if its too hard to sprint down) or sprinting up and down bleachers. do lunges and squats to build up your leg strength. make sure you work on your stickwork as well. practice driving/hitting the ball and dribbling.

friends help too! hang out with friends and pass back and forth. if you can manage to get a big group of friends you can do little games (ex- 3 on offense and 2 on defense)

tryouts will probably involve lots of running and sprints, with drills to help with stickwork. there may be some games as well. one tip i can give you is to push yourself, even when you think your coach isnt watching.

lastly, dont be too upset if you dont make varsity! but this should help at least get you in shape for preseason.