Youth Baseball Tryout Evaluation Form: A Comprehensive Guide for Coaches and Players

Welcome to our Baseball Tryout Scoring Guide! If you’re a coach looking to evaluate players effectively or a player wanting to understand how you’ll be assessed, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the scoring sheet used during tryouts, explaining what coaches look for in each category and how players can prepare to excel.

You can download our Youth Baseball Evaluation Sheet Here.

The Tryout Scoring Sheet

Our tryout scoring sheet evaluates players across five key categories: hitting, fielding ground balls, fielding fly balls, throwing, and athleticism/potential. Each category is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Let’s dive into each section:

1. Hitting

Coaches assess the following aspects of hitting:

• Form: Proper stance, grip, and swing mechanics.
• Bat Speed: How quickly the bat moves through the hitting zone.
• Contact Point: The consistency and quality of contact with the ball.
• Drive: The power and distance the ball travels off the bat.

2. Fielding Ground Balls

Fielding ground balls involves each player fielding five ground balls from the shortstop position and completing the play by throwing to first base. Coaches evaluate:

• Form: Technique in fielding the ball.
• Approach: How the player moves towards the ball.
• Aggressiveness: Willingness to attack the ball.
• Accuracy: Precision of the throw to first base.

3. Fielding Fly Balls

Fielding fly balls involves each player fielding five fly balls in the outfield and completing the play by throwing to the designated cutoff man or base. Coaches look for:

• Form: Technique in catching fly balls.
• Angle of Approach: How the player positions themselves to catch the ball.
• Aggressiveness: Willingness to get under the ball quickly.
• Accuracy: Precision of the throw to the cutoff man or base.

4. Throwing

Throwing is evaluated in conjunction with fielding grounders and fly balls. Coaches consider:

• Arm Strength: Ability to throw the ball with power and distance.
• Accuracy: Precision of the throws during plays.

5. Athleticism/Potential

Athleticism and potential are subjective categories based on a coach’s intuition about a player’s future development. Coaches might evaluate:

• Physical Tools: Speed, agility, and overall athleticism.
• Potential: The player’s ceiling and ability to develop into a high-level player.

Scoring and Evaluation Process

Players are scored in each category on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. The total possible score is 25. Coaches use these scores to rank players and determine their suitability for the team.

Note: The athleticism/potential category is particularly subjective. Coaches might view the same player differently, and this category can be omitted if the coach is not confident in making such predictions.

Preparing for Tryouts

Players:

• Hitting: Work on your form, bat speed, and making consistent contact.
• Fielding: Practice fielding ground balls and fly balls with a focus on technique and accuracy.
• Throwing: Strengthen your arm and work on precise throws.
• Athleticism: Improve your speed and agility through conditioning exercises.

Coaches:

• Assessment: Develop a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in each category.
• Consistency: Apply the same standards to all players to ensure a fair evaluation.
• Subjectivity: Be mindful of your biases, especially in the athleticism/potential category.

By following this guide, both coaches and players can navigate the tryout process more effectively, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

For more tips and resources, stay tuned to our blog and feel free to reach out with any questions!