Falcon Basketball Try-Out Rubric
All candidates must have completed physicals, consent forms, attended the athletic dept. parent
meeting and have no outstanding obligations to participate.
Prospective players will be evaluated through the following categories. The tryout process will consist
of various skill based drills; close out, defensive slides, shell drill, chill drill, spot shooting, 3-2/2-1 fast
break, among others. Followed by: 1 on 1, 2 on 2, and 5 on 5 competition. The tryout process will last 3
sessions, at the end of the sessions teams will be made of 12-15 players. The remaining players will
continue to be evaluated up until the end of the preseason when (if necessary) another cut will be made.
5 – Exceeds expectation
4 – proficient 3 – partially proficient 2 – seldom 1 - Never
Attitude
Player demonstrates a positive attitude, is supportive of teammates in times of success and adversity.
Shakes teammate’s hands, compliments, helps fallen teammates up, says “please” and “thank you”.
Player answers coaches with “yes coach and no coach”.
Communication
Player demonstrates effective communication on and off the basketball court. Player makes eye contact
when speaking. Speaks loud and clear both on and off the court, will call for the ball when open, and
call for “help” when beat on defense. Player asks appropriate questions when unclear about instructions.
Coachability
Player responds to redirection. Makes appropriate changes when instructed by coaching staff. Player
comes to attention quickly when called.
Defensive Awareness
Player is in correct “help side” defensive positioning. Player looks to help out on drives to the basket
and recover to pick up open players. Player is never caught behind the ball when in transition defense.
Player looks to contest shots without leaving the ground. Player looks to take a charge (offensive foul)
when opportunity is available.
Offensive Awareness
Player maintains proper court spacing (12’-15’ feet) on the perimeter. Post players look to establish
position close to the basket. Player looks to catch with both hands. Player looks to move the ball up the
court.
Aggressiveness
Player looks to score the basketball when opportunity is presented. Man to Man defense is played in
more than an arms length away. Player runs to keep up with opponent and sprints in transition. Player
dives for the loose basketball when necessary. Player never quits on a play.
Stance
Player plays in correct “on ball” defensive stance. Player catches with a “jump stop” and looks to put
the ball into the “triple-threat position” as soon as possible.
Passing
Player looks to pass to open teammates. Player does not force passes into traffic and makes the correct
pass for the correct situation. Player understands the proper mechanics of a chest pass and bounce pass.
Player does not pass the ball toward the defense.
Rebounding
Player looks to rebound on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Player looks to “box out”
opposing players (including shooters). Player jumps to tap the ball out when unable to secure the ball.
Player makes a second effort to secure rebounds rather than wait for others to retrieve the ball. Player
chases loose rebounds.
Shooting
Player demonstrates good shot selection, never forcing a shot instead of passing to an open teammate.
Player has a basic understanding of the mechanics and footwork associated with shooting a basketball.
Player can properly execute a lay-up with both hands.
Ball Handling
Player looks to dribble only when a shot or pass are unavailable. Player is able to effectively (under
control) dribble the basketball with either hand. Player understands the rules associated with handling
the basketball, does not carry the ball or travel. Post players dribble only in necessary situations.
Individual skill score
This year players will also be tested on some basic basketball skills. In 4-layup a player is timed as the
dribble the length of the court and make a layup four times. Times and number of made layups are kept
for reference.
Sprint/ back pedal suicide
Players will sprint the length of the court in quarters four times. Touching a line at each change of
direction. Players will sprint forward and back pedal backwards. Times will be kept for reference.