Can I Make the JV Soccer Team as a Sophomore with No Experience?
A bit of background: My school’s soccer team is competitive, but I’m not sure how stiff the competition really is. I’ve heard that girls who try out don’t typically get cut, as there usually aren’t enough players for the reserve team. Most of those who try out have a history of playing club soccer. Because of this, the reserve team is small, while JV and Varsity have more players, and their schedules often overlap due to the limited number of players.
I’ve never played competitive soccer or been involved in club teams because I wasn’t aware of those options. Growing up, I focused more on art, although I was competitive in PE. It wasn’t until eighth grade that I began to develop an interest in sports. As a freshman, I assumed my high school soccer team would be highly competitive and was discouraged from trying out. A family member suggested I try out for tennis instead, which I thought would give me a better chance. In the end, I made the tennis team, but I was surprised to learn that some of my friends who got cut from tennis were later invited to join the reserve soccer team. That left me feeling regretful about not pursuing soccer when I had the opportunity.
Now, as a sophomore, I made the tennis team again this year. While I enjoy tennis and am decent at it, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ll regret not trying out for soccer while I had the chance.
I’m thinking of dedicating this summer and the first half of the school year to practicing soccer in hopes of making the JV team as a junior. I have a friend with club experience who is willing to train with me, and I’m also looking for recreational leagues to join for additional practice. I’m determined to put in the effort because I genuinely find soccer fun!
I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you think I have a shot at making the team? Should I trade tennis for soccer? If you believe I should pursue soccer, I’d greatly appreciate any resources, tips, or advice you can share to help me on this journey!
It’s great to hear that you’re excited about soccer and ready to commit to practicing and learning! Here are some thoughts and tips that might help you as you consider making the switch from tennis to soccer:
Confidence in Your Decision: Since you’re feeling a bit of regret about not trying out for soccer before, it’s important to weigh how strongly you feel about soccer compared to tennis. If soccer is what you truly want to pursue, then it might be worth taking the leap!
Practice and Commitment: Your plan to practice over the summer and during the school year is fantastic! Consistent practice, along with drills to improve your skills (like dribbling, passing, shooting, and understanding tactics), will definitely help you become a better player.
Utilizing Your Friend: Having a friend who has club experience is a huge advantage. Ask them to not only practice with you but also provide feedback on your skills. They can help you understand game strategies and what to focus on during practices.
Join a Recreational League: This is a great idea! Look for local recreational or pick-up soccer leagues. They’re usually more relaxed and can be a fantastic way to gain experience while playing with different skill levels.
Watch and Learn: Try to watch soccer games—both live and on TV. Pay attention to the different positions, strategies, and the overall flow of the game. This will help you catch up on the tactical side of the sport.
Fitness and Conditioning: Soccer can be demanding physically, so make sure you stay in shape. Cardio, agility drills, and strength training can help improve your fitness level for the sport.
Stay Positive: Remember that most players you’ll be competing against have been playing for years. It’s normal to feel a bit intimidated, but don’t let that discourage you. Focus on your progress and improvement!
Communicate with Coaches: Reach out to the soccer coaches at your school, if possible. They may offer advice or resources to help you prepare for tryouts and let you know what they’re looking for in players.
As for whether you should risk tennis for soccer, that depends on how passionate you are about soccer. If you feel a strong pull towards it and are willing to dedicate your time to learn and improve, go for it! You can’t go wrong by pursuing something you love.
Remember, whether you make the team or not, the experience and friendships you gain along the way will be invaluable. Good luck with your soccer journey! You’ve got this!