Tryout Prep Checklist for Baseball & Softball Players

The 6-Week Tryout Prep Plan

Whether you’re trying out for HS varsity, a travel ball squad, or a competitive club program, the work you do in the 6 weeks before tryouts matters more than what you do in the 6 days before. Here’s the Powerhouse coaching staff’s tryout prep checklist, organized by week.

Weeks 6–4: Build the Engine

Hitting: 2 cage sessions per week. Focus on mechanical clean-up. One lesson per week if possible.

S&C: 2 strength sessions per week. Squats, lunges, plyo, rotational med ball throws.

Throwing: 2 long-toss sessions per week. Build arm strength and accuracy.

HitTrax baseline: One session in week 6 to capture starting exit velocity.

Weeks 4–2: Sharpen

Hitting: 3 cage sessions per week. Move from mechanical work to game-realistic situations.

Pitching (if you’re a pitcher): 2 bullpens per week. Focus on command, not max velocity.

Defense: Indoor infield work 1–2 times per week if you’re an infielder.

HitTrax check: One session in week 4 — see if your numbers are climbing.

Weeks 2–0: Game Mode

Hitting: Reduce volume but increase intent. Quality over quantity.

Position-specific: Mock tryout drills — 60-yard, pop times if you’re a catcher.

Mental prep: Visualize the tryout. Plan your warm-up. Pack your bag the night before.

Final HitTrax: One session a week before tryouts to confirm you’re peaking. Numbers in hand if a coach asks.

Day Of

Eat a normal breakfast. Get to the field 30 minutes early. Warm up properly. Compete on every rep. Show coaches what you’ve been working on.