There’s more to sports than meets the eye. The blood and sweat that an athlete puts into it is a testament to human strength. For those with a fierce passion for action, the hustle never stops – at least not until they’ve made it to the big leagues. 

The same goes for a varsity player. Only the best of athletes can ever hope to make it. Besides, only a few have the discipline, determination, and willpower needed to join a varsity team. But the effort is worth it; if you’re a varsity player, chances are you’ll land a solid college scholarship. If you go above and beyond, you might make a name for yourself as the next LeBron James. 

Keep reading below if you love sports and want to join a varsity team. 

  • Play to your strengths 

We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. You should start by being completely honest with yourself and recognize both your strengths and your weaknesses. 

Once you’ve recognized your strengths, learn to play to them. Your capabilities are what set you apart from other athletes. So, it’s crucial to keep building upon your brawn so that they can counter the weaknesses you have. If you know you’re a good sprinter, find a way to use that – you’re probably more suited for offensive plays. 

Weaknesses aren’t something to be ashamed of, without the shadow of a doubt. Sure, you’ll want to put in the time and work on them, but don’t let your weaknesses define you. Ask your coaches and your teammates about the weaknesses they think you have and work on them. A good athlete must be well-rounded. 

Before you know it, your weaknesses will turn into your strengths. And you’ll be sporting a fancy letterman jacket from anythingchenille.com, making you an essential team member. 

  • Practice, practice, and more practice 

There are no shortcuts, regardless of what sport you play. The only way to get better is by showing up to practice every day. Coaches notice athletes who are putting in the effort to get better. If you’re not showing up, your coaches won’t help you. They’ll likely think that you aren’t serious about joining the varsity team. 

If you’re already playing for a junior team, make the most out of the offseason. That is where most of the athletes go wrong; they take the offseason too lightly. So, continue practicing during the offseason. Aim to be a better player in the next season than what you were in the last season. Not only is the offseason the best time to improve, but your coaches will notice that you’re putting in the work.

By forcing yourself to practice daily, you’ll build the discipline that a varsity player should have. 

  • Don’t let mistakes pull you down 

You’ll make many mistakes on the field. When you do, please make a note of them so that you don’t repeat them. But don’t think about them for too long because you’ll only distract and demotivate yourself – which may end up with more mistakes. 

Every athlete has terrible days. There’s always a pass that you miss or a shot that isn’t good enough. Don’t equate mistakes with failure. You’ll probably hear your coaches say that real failure isn’t falling; instead, it’s not getting back up again after you fall.  

  • Pump that iron 

Varsity players are the strongest athletes both on and off the field. It entails having a proper workout regimen. If you want to join a varsity team, you should be hitting the gym regularly. Targeting all your major muscle groups is essential, and you should learn proper weightlifting form. Although having a personal trainer helps, you don’t necessarily need one. The internet has tons of guides that can help you find a routine that works for you. 

Strength training can help prevent injuries during the season. But, you don’t want to jeopardize your chances of making the varsity team by spending the season on the benches. 

  • Watch what you eat

You know what they say: you are what you eat. Abs aren’t made in the gym; they’re made in the kitchen. If you aren’t eating well, the chances are that all those bicep curls will go to waste.

First, ensure to consume enough chicken, red meat, and fish to meet your protein requirements. Eggs and milk are also excellent sources of protein. 

Second, draw up a meal plan. Again, you don’t necessarily need a nutritionist; the internet is your friend. Instead of three regular meals, consider eating multiple smaller meals. It will supply your body with the nutrients that it needs throughout the day and improve your metabolism. 

Finally, go easy on the junk. Replace unhealthy foods with fruits and vegetables. These are a better source of carbohydrates and will replenish your energy levels. 

If you learn to take nutrition seriously now, it’ll be second nature by the time you start playing for a varsity team. 

  • Work on your grades

“What do grades have to do with joining a varsity club?” you might ask. Firstly, you’re more likely to impress your coaches if you’re a good athlete and a good student. Suppose you can maintain both athletics and academics at the same time. In that case, you’ll come across as someone responsible and who can handle themselves well. 

You’re also much more likely to land a scholarship at a reputable college if you have straight A’s. Although many colleges offer athletic scholarships, the most distinguished ones are usually looking for students who are good at sports and have good grades. 

Pay attention during lectures, don’t skip classes, and do your homework. You might find managing studies with practice challenging at first, but it gets easier once you get into the routine. 

  • Play for your team 

Remember: players don’t win matches; teams do. There will be testing times when you’ll feel like making a selfish play, but nothing’s worse than an athlete who tries to show off at the expense of the team. Your coaches will recognize you regardless of whether you take any great shots. Be a good team player and set other players up for success. 

 

Ending thoughts

Perhaps one of the reasons why many athletes fail to join a varsity team is because they limit themselves. They set unambitious goals and believe that they aren’t good enough. However, it’s essential to realize that no one is born an athlete. We all start somewhere. What differentiates a good athlete from a mediocre one is a thirst for ambition. Of course, there aren’t any shortcuts; hard work and success go hand in hand.

Don’t limit yourself to a junior team. Put in the work, follow our guide, and soon you’ll be playing for a varsity team.