Coach Evaluation Tips

1. Communicate with your evaluators

Evaluators are the glue that holds a tryout together. It is incredibly important to ensure that evaluators have an understanding of everything prior to the evaluation taking place. Be sure to discuss the key points to look for in each skill, as well as tips and tricks at each station. Discuss how the players will move through the drills, and ensure that you answer any questions before the evaluations begin. We suggest having multiple evaluators at each station to increase results, while also avoiding any potential bias.

Tip: Run through each skills-based station before an evaluation. Communicate what evaluators should look for when scoring athletes on this skill. I.e., While running through the setting station before a volleyball tryout, tell the evaluator what makes the perfect “set.” For instance, they should look for an athlete who has a proper setting position: forming a triangle with their index fingers & thumbs and extending their arms and wrists before releasing the ball.

2. Determine evaluation criteria

When beginning a season, there are many metrics that you will want to evaluate athletes on. It is important to be realistic about what is possible within your time period. Things can get hectic and take a little more time the day of, so by understanding which skills you want to evaluate, you will be confident in the structure of the evaluation.

3. Visualize what success looks like

It is important for coaches to think about all the details of the event, and what it would look like for someone watching the tryout take place. From the registration process to running drills, all components should work harmoniously. The question to ask would be:

• Are there enough evaluators at each station for each drill?
• Who will be moving the equipment onto the field as needed?
• How will you handle walk-on athletes? 
• Who will direct athletes where to go?
• Will athletes be evaluated in groups based on age or the position they are trying out for?

By mapping out potential problems and visualizing the solution ahead of time, tryouts will go significantly smoother.

Using Athlete Evaluation Software

If you want to go one step further, consider digitizing your evaluation process! Join hundreds of coaches in using SkillShark’s athlete evaluation software. Customize your metrics, score athletes from a phone or tablet, and immediately access athlete insights.