A Mom’s Guide to Tryouts: How to Help (Without Hovering)

Raising Elite Competitors

Is your athlete gearing up for tryouts… and you’re secretly more stressed than she is?

You’re not alone. Tryout week can bring all the nerves, for athletes and their moms. But how do you actually support her without adding pressure, overstepping, or spiraling right alongside her?

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to prepare your athlete (and yourself) for tryouts – mentally, emotionally, and practically.

Here’s what this episode covers:

• What parents need to check in on before tryouts even start.
• How to shift the focus from “making the team” to “showing up strong”.
• A coach’s honest perspective on what actually stands out at tryouts.
• Simple ways to help your athlete prep without hovering.
• What to say (and what not to say) during the tryout season.
• How to boost her confidence outside of her sport.
• Key mental skills athletes need to handle nerves, bounce back from mistakes, and perform under pressure.
• What to do if she doesn’t make the team and how to turn disappointment into growth.

Tryouts don’t have to break her or you. Listen in and get the tools to show up steady, supportive, and strong... no matter the outcome.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Tryout Season = High Stress. Tryouts bring a wave of stress for athletes, coaches, and especially parents. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, but there are ways to handle it well.

[00:01:47] Start with the Parent. Before helping an athlete, parents should check in with themselves. Acknowledging personal stress and avoiding projection helps create a calmer environment.

[00:03:00] Focus on Her Goals. Instead of assuming what she wants, ask the athlete what her goals are for tryouts. Shifting the focus to effort and pride helps relieve outcome pressure.

[00:05:03] When the Goal Feels Out of Reach. If the athlete sets a big goal, parents can gently steer the conversation toward effort and backup plans, without crushing her confidence.

[00:06:49] Watch the Words. Phrases like “You better make the team” only add pressure. Encouragement should stay focused on effort, attitude, and what’s in her control.

[00:07:41] Mental Game is the Real Game. Tryouts are mentally demanding. Without tools to manage nerves and recover from mistakes, even skilled athletes can struggle.

[00:08:43] Visualize the Outcome. Positive visualization, seeing success before it happens, helps athletes shift from anxious anticipation to confident execution.

[00:09:00] Anchor in Affirmations. Simple self-talk like “I’m ready” or “I belong here” gives athletes something to lean on in high-pressure moments.

[00:10:23] Reset Fast With a Snapback Routine. A go-to reset routine helps athletes move on from mistakes quickly, one of the most valuable tools in competitive sports.

[00:12:28] Real Success is in Adaptability. The biggest win from tryouts? Learning to adapt, stay grounded, and keep going no matter what the outcome says.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

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