When picking a sport, ask yourself these questions: Which sport do I have the most fun playing?[1] X Research source Is my body type right for this? What are my natural physical talents? What are my friends playing? More sports to consider playing include cheerleading, dance, water polo, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, softball, rugby, lacrosse, tennis, and golf.
Talk with older students who are already on the team for specific information about what exercises or tests will be a part of try-outs. Most sports are seasonal (i. e. basketball is in winter and football in summer). You can possibly play for multiple teams. If you don’t make the cut for one team, don’t be discouraged. You can try out for another sport. Some teams, like Track & Field, commonly accept most applicants. Even if it’s not your first choice, it’s an excellent way to build yourself up as an athlete and make it more likely you’re chosen next season.
Go to a game just to watch and see if you like the level of competitiveness. See if your friends are interested in putting together a team. If you have enough people for the sport, it is common for large groups of friends and acquaintances to form their own squad.
Practice is the place to try out different roles on a team to figure out which one suits you best. Each sport has a number of positions with different responsibilities and skill sets; explore your talents as an athlete. Scrimmages are friendly matches where team members play one another. Use these opportunities to take individual risks as well as develop your awareness of how to work as a team. Generally, scrimmages are not played full force to avoid injury.
Talk with older, more experienced players on the team(s) you join. Read books on tactics specific to your sport. Learn the philosophies of athletes famous for their skill and victories.
Athletes need to eat anywhere from 2,500 to 3,500 calories a day. [3] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, grains, and protein to build muscle and stay healthy. Get a gym membership. Part of being a jock is identifying with the sports you play and with working out in general. If you’d like to take your effort beyond what you do on a team, or if your team doesn’t work out together, join a gym and work out alone. Lunge jumps, squat jumps, burpees, star jumps, knee drive hops, hop overs and broad jumps are some exercises you can do at home with little to no equipment! Resistance bands are a great way to up-level your workouts and add serious weight at home without needing to build a full home gym. Adjustable dumbbells also can help you save space while still adding significant weights to your training sessions.
The more you improve through training and live games, the more likely you will be selected to play and possibly start (be chosen to play at the beginning of a game).
Participation in group sports will help you be confident. Research shows it leads to many characteristics, including courage, honesty, integrity, perseverance, fairness, cooperation, and respect.
Spend time in and out of school cultivating friendships with the people you care about most. It’s important to build camaraderie with your teammates on and off the field. Take the time to get to know your team so that your chemistry improves. Keep in mind that not every person can be your best friend. It’s acceptable to establish boundaries with people and have different levels of closeness. If you are kind and honest, often times people will end up respecting you for it.
Although the numbers are declining in recent years, it is still common for athletes to drink alcohol, often in excess. Keep in mind it is illegal to drink under the age of 21. Also, alcohol has a negative effect on your health and performance as an athlete. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
US and UK sports culture are sometimes associated with homophobia and misogyny. [7] X Research source However, it’s best not to follow all generalizations. Even though dating someone of the same sex as you might not win the same approval and affirmation of your jock identity as being in a heterosexual couple, it’s important to never deny part of who you are for other people’s approval. Professional athletes like Michael Sam are beginning to publicly come out as gay. The public association of athletes and jocks with homophobia may be decreasing. [8] X Research source
Expanding your social life beyond your peers will expand your perspective and help you navigate the different worlds in which you spend your time. Share the advice you receive with your peers when you feel they can benefit.
Often times pep rallies are competitions to see which class can be the loudest. Come with plenty of energy and pump up your classmates.
The sports you play will teach you what healthy aggression feels and looks like. Generally speaking, aggression is not wrong. However, like bullying, if you direct it at the weak and/or innocent, you can expect punishment, judgment and unhappiness within yourself.
Hoodies, t-shirts, pullover jackets, and jerseys are stylistic norms that can fill an entire week of jock outfits. Be sure to pair them with jeans and tennis shoes. Do not tuck in your shirts; this is similar to “nerd” looks. Letterman jackets are the pinnacle of jock style because they show you have achieved a level of accomplishment within your chosen sport.
Purchase jerseys and other paraphernalia of the team you support to show your pride. Organize a potluck where everyone who wants to watch a game brings one snack or dish for everyone to eat. Find tickets and go to a see a professional game to experience the fervor and excitement of a live match. Also watch sports analysis programs on networks like ESPN, FSN, and major network broadcasts of sports events to develop your understanding of the game.
While it is illegal to bet on real games, betting on fantasy sports is legal in the US because it is a game of skill. If you are a minor, make sure to consult your parent/guardian before betting anything.
Watching/reading interviews of talented athletes may give you a clue about the character traits that help someone become a top level jock.
