I tried out for the girls' basketball team when I was in seventh grade, and I'll never forget how nervous I was. The coach seemed to only be watching the older girls at tryouts, and I knew I'd have to be at my best to even get her attention. The next day, when they'd posted the names, I was ecstatic to see mine there beside the other team members. It was the happiest day of my young life.
But the unfortunate reality of school teams is that some kids get picked and others do not. I'd like to share some things that I believe helped me make that team. I'm hoping these tips might make your own tryouts, no matter what the sport or activity, a little less nerve-wracking, and maybe give you a bit more control over the outcome.
First, you need to be conscientious and alert at tryouts. Pay close attention to what you're being instructed to do, whether it's running a drill or observing a demonstration. Keep your eyes on the coach and be ready to jump when called. This will convey that you really want to be there. Also, follow directions to the letter, which will also show that you're "coachable" and not a prima donna or a lazybones.
Next, be a scrapper. Whatever the sport, make sure you're the one who's going the extra mile, who's diving for a volleyball or scrambling to return an impossibly deep backhand in tennis. Don't think of it as "kissing up" to the coach, but as working hard to impress, which is what you're there to do.
Finally, I mentioned "coachability" above. This is a vital quality coaches seek that you need to try to embody. Basically it means being flexible and listening well. Whatever the coaches say to you during tryouts, take their comments immediately to heart. If the coach says, "Hey, Herlinger, ya gotta plant both feet when you're blocking someone under the basket so you don't draw the foul," you answer, "Right, Coach, thanks," and you apply it immediately. Then you check back with the coach to make sure you did it correctly.
It can be a fine line between bugging the coaches and making sure they notice you. But just keep in mind, when they sit down after the tryouts and scratch their heads about whom to select, they need to be able to easily call up your face and name. If you did your job, they'll remember you with a smile and a nod and know they'd be proud to have you on the team. But if you don't make the cut, don't lose heart; there's always next time. See if you can get on a junior varsity or intramural team so you can work on your moves. That'll give you a leg up when next year's tryouts come along.
Question: In the last line of the selection, what does the author mean by the phrase, "That'll give you a leg up"?
a
You'll need to work extra hard.
b
You'll be at an advantage.
c
You'll be taller next year.
d
You'll have an unfair lead.