Bouncing Back from a Tough Hockey Tryout

Hockey tryouts can be both exciting and nerve-wracking experiences. Unfortunately, not every tryout yields the desired outcome. If you find yourself disappointed after a tough hockey tryout, it's essential to maintain a positive mindset and focus on bouncing back stronger. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies to help you bounce back from a challenging hockey tryout and continue your journey toward success.


1. Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed:

It's normal to feel disappointed and frustrated after a tough tryout. Allow yourself to acknowledge those feelings and give yourself permission to be disappointed. It's okay to be upset, but it's important not to dwell on it for too long. Remember that setbacks are a part of any competitive journey, and they provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

2. Learn from the Experience:

Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, use the tryout as a learning experience. Reflect on your performance and identify areas that need improvement. Consider seeking feedback from coaches or evaluators to gain insights into where you can enhance your skills and abilities. Use this feedback constructively to set goals for improvement and create a plan to address the areas of weakness.

3. Focus on Individual Skill Development:

Use the setback as motivation to focus on individual skill development. Take the time to work on specific skills that were highlighted as areas for improvement. Engage in off-ice training, practice drills, and conditioning exercises that target those specific areas. Consider seeking extra coaching or training to help you refine your skills and enhance your overall performance.

4. Maintain a Positive Mindset:

A positive mindset is crucial for bouncing back from any setback. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, shift your focus to the opportunities that lie ahead. Remind yourself of your love for the game and your passion for improvement. Stay positive, believe in your abilities, and maintain a resilient attitude. Understand that setbacks are temporary, and with perseverance, you can overcome them.


5. Set New Goals:

Reassess your goals and set new ones in light of the tryout experience. Set realistic and achievable short-term and long-term goals that align with your aspirations. Break them down into smaller, measurable milestones. This will help you maintain focus, track your progress, and stay motivated as you work towards your next tryout or future hockey endeavours.

6. Seek Support and Encouragement:

Don't underestimate the power of support and encouragement. Surround yourself with positive influences, such as friends, family, teammates, or coaches who believe in your abilities and are supportive of your goals. Lean on them for encouragement and motivation during challenging times. Their belief in you can provide the confidence and resilience needed to bounce back stronger.

7. Stay Committed and Keep Working:

Perhaps the most critical aspect of bouncing back from a tough tryout is maintaining commitment and perseverance. Use the setback as fuel to work harder and smarter. Embrace the process of improvement and continue to dedicate time to training, practicing, and developing your skills. Stay disciplined and consistent in your efforts, knowing that hard work and determination will eventually pay off.


Experiencing a tough hockey tryout can be disheartening, but it should not define your hockey journey. Embrace the opportunity for growth and improvement. Learn from the experience, focus on individual skill development, maintain a positive mindset, set new goals, seek support, and stay committed to your hockey dreams. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and with resilience, determination, and a continued passion for the game, you can bounce back stronger and achieve success in your hockey endeavours.

Interested in signing up for Katz Bros private training to help you prepare for tryout season?

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