Making the high school basketball team takes much more than just talent. High school basketball coaches are looking for specific things, and they are very particular about who they put on their floor. There are a number of things that you need to do to prepare for your high school basketball tryouts. Here are several tips to ensure that you make your high school basketball team.

1. Learn your position well. It is amazing how many basketball players try to be something that they simply are not. Centers want to be point guards, and shooting guards want to be centers. If you are a point guard in build and talent, do not come to basketball tryouts trying to be the center. Know your position, and be well versed in the skill set that fits you.

2. If you truly want to make your high school basketball team, out hustle every single player on the floor. Nothing is more attractive to a high school basketball coach than a guy that will give his all on the floor. Make yourself impossible to be cut. Be a hustler.

3. Spend some time learning the play book. Go to your school basketball coach and ask him for copies of the plays. Be a student of the game. If you know the offense going into basketball tryouts, then you have an advantage before you even start. The more you can learn, the better off you will be at tryouts.

4. Play within your limitations. If you know you are not a three point shooter, do not go heaving them up in tryouts. The coaches do not need everybody to be able to do everything. They are looking for players to fill a role on the team. If your strength is passing and defense, embrace those things. Still work on the other things, but only in practice. Do not try to be everything.

5. Be excellent at the fundamentals. Never mind the crossover, behind the back, alley oops and dipsy doos. Learn how to shoot, dribble, and pass the basketball well. Be crisp and fundamentally sound. It will go over really well with a high school basketball coach. Most coaches do not want fancy. They want solid fundamentals and hustle.

6. Show that you know how to be a good team player. Make the pass when somebody is open. Help players to their feet, and do not become involved in the drama that can pop up at high school basketball tryouts. Just being a good team mate is worth it’s weight in gold when it comes to team sports.

Though these basketball tryout tips will not guarantee you a spot on the high school team, they will certainly give you your best shot. Go out and give your best shot. If you do not make the team, do not be afraid to go to the coach and ask why. Find out what you can work on to increase your chances the following season. Remember, Michael Jordan was cut once from his high school basketball team. It can happen to anybody.