What do college coaches look for in a potential prospect? Below PTPers has listed a few worksheets to help you grade yourself, your friends or your athletes. The following characteristics were determined after exhaustive research performed by James Brown, author of “Sports Talent.” The book is a must read for all HS Athletes and parents of athletes. The two most important factors that PTPers do not list below are academic eligibility and a healthy athlete. They are the figurative “Trump cards” of an NCAA player’s career. However, this is not to say that if you are currently injured or challenged academically that all is lost. You must get professional help and apply yourself consistently to make a change that is sustainable for coaches to take a chance on recruiting you.

INTANGIBLES CHECKLIST

1. Gets most out of ability 2. Has positive influence on teammates 3. Has a nose for the ball 4. Makes big plays 5. Makes teammates better 6. Anticipates 7. Is coachable 8. Adjusts to situations 9. Rises to the occasion 10. Has killer instinct

MENTAL SKILLS EVALUATION

1. Mental preparation prior to game 2. Precompetition activity 3. Emotional readiness 4. Self-confidence 5. Quality of effort 6. Concentration 7. Consistency of focus 8. Mental toughness 9. Ability to let go of mistakes 10. Poise 11. Control of negative thoughts 12. Pure enjoyment 13. Communication with teammates

EMOTIONAL TALENT CHECKLIST

1. Mental drive (overwhelming desire to succeed; has something to prove) 2. Spirit/Passion (loves the game; can’t stay away from it) 3. Stability (can handle stress; resilient) 4. Toughness (good self-esteem; confident) 5. Positive attitude (enjoys challenges; avoids negative thinking) 6. Realism (works on limitations; learns from experience) 7. Focus (blocks out distractions; absorbed in game) 8. Effort (first on and off the field; keeps improving) 9. Persistence (can manage desire to be perfect; keeps moving forward) 10. Competitiveness (refuses to lose; likes the battle)

PHYSICAL SKILLS CHECKLIST

1. Size (body size and type match sport) 2. Speed (meets basic requirements for sport or position) 3. Quickness (has quick feet; is always in position) 4. Strength (is strong enough to play position or sport) 5. Power (combines strength with explosiveness) 6. Agility (changes directions or body position while moving) 7. Flexibility (has fluid,full range of motion in each part) 8. Coordination (hand-eye,foot-eye, general) 9. Cardiorespiratory fitness (can use oxygen for long periods) 10. Vision (can see entire court, field, area)