At 15-plus, tryouts reveal the coach’s actual system. Watch for three things:
Do they explain or just drill? Good coaches teach what they want to see. They show the footwork, explain the spacing, then run the play. Coaches who just repeat “go, go, go” and correct mistakes without teaching aren’t going to develop your kid. They’re going to win or lose based on who they inherited.
Do they talk to kids who are struggling or just move on? The coach who pulls a kid aside and explains what they’re seeing is building. The coach who ignores mistakes is either lost or only interested in the kids who already know. Your kid wants the first coach.
Is the energy organized or chaotic? A good coach runs a tight ship. Transitions are quick. Water breaks are short. Everyone knows what’s happening. A coach who lets practice meander or creates drama usually has a team that plays the same way.
Talk to your kid after: “What did the coach talk about? What did they seem to care about? Do you think you’d want to play for them for a year?” Let them see the coach as a person, not a verdict on their talent.
If they made the team and love the coach, great. If they made it but the coach seems like they’re going to be miserable, that’s real information. That’s worth factoring in.
If they didn’t make it, ask what the coach said. Not “you’re cut.” Coaches who cut kids usually tell them what to work on. That’s feedback. Kids who get told what to improve have a path. Kids who just don’t make it don’t know what they’re missing.