Trials Aren't Just About Talent. Here's What Selectors Are Really Watching.

Trials season is nearly here. For players it's the most nerve-racking few hours of the year, and for parents on the sideline it can be even worse.

So let's be blunt: plenty of talented players miss out every year, because talent alone rarely gets you picked. Here's what separates the players who make the team from the ones who go home wondering why.

The fundamentals are your entry ticket

There's no shortcut here. If your basics wobble under pressure, nothing else you do will matter. Selectors want to see:

• Catching: strong, safe hands that secure the ball first time, every time.
• Throwing: accurate passes, with the right type of pass and placement out in front of the player.
• Footwork: landing balanced, pivoting cleanly and staying in control under pressure.
• Defence: staying tight on your player with good hands-over pressure, always active and engaged.

That gets you noticed. It doesn't get you picked on its own.

The moment after the mistake

There's no such thing as a perfect game. Players at trials will drop a ball, throw a pass away, or make some other error. Selectors expect this. What they're watching is the next three seconds.

Do you drop your head? Do you go internal and lose your self-confidence? Or do you learn from the error and get straight back into defence to win the ball back? A player who makes an error and wins it straight back can leave a stronger impression than one who never makes a mistake at all.

Player habits

Selectors notice your habits from the moment you walk in.

Do you arrive at trials early? Do you have everything you need: water bottle, towel and food? If it's a long trial, how do you interact with your peers? Do you provide positive talk on the court, and cheer your teammates on when you're off it? And if you don't understand an instruction, do you ask for clarification?

These small habits tell selectors a lot about how you'll prepare, train and fit into a team. Skill gets you into the conversation. Your habits and attitude are what get you over the line.

Parents, this part's for you

• Arrive early to sign your child in.
• Find a comfortable spot away from the trial, so your child and the selection process can run uninterrupted.
• Leave the coaching to the coaches. Your child needs to hear one voice on court, and it shouldn't be from the sideline.
• Be a positive source of support and encouragement for your child.
• Praise effort and attitude, not just the outcome.

Get trial-ready with CC Netball

Want your child heading into trials with more confidence? One-on-one and small group sessions are a great way to sharpen their fundamentals in the lead-up.

Make an enquiry at ccnetball.com and we'll be in touch to confirm your date, time and location.

Written by Caitlyn Strachan

Caitlyn Strachan is a former Australian Diamond, triple ANZ Championship premiership player and founder of CC Netball.