What a Walk-On Means and How to Do It

Written By Eric Butler

What do all of these players have in common?

They weren’t recruited out of high school and still had amazing basketball careers, post-secondary and beyond.

What is a Walk-On?

A walk-on is a player who makes a university team without being recruited by the coaching staff.

Key context: Only 3-4% of high school players play at the university level, and some who make it weren't on any coach's radar before the start of the school year.

Why Players Become Walk-Ons

Players may not be recruited for several reasons:

Physical development timing

  • Grew late and haven't filled out yet

  • Haven't gained enough weight or strength

  • Recently grew but haven't adjusted to their new body

Limited showcase opportunities

  • Played a role in high school that didn't highlight their strengths

  • Were behind stronger players at their position

  • Played for a team where they couldn't display their best abilities

  • Dealt with coach favouritism or other team dynamics

  • Played for a weak high school team with limited/no good-quality games for coaches to watch

Bottom line: Many talented players just aren't ready yet in high school or didn't have the right circumstances to be noticed.

How to Approach Becoming a Walk-On

Step 1: Find and Register for Open Tryouts

  • Most university and post-secondary teams hold open tryouts (usually early September)

  • Some schools may be required to hold them by university policy

  • Check team social media pages and/or contact the university to find out when tryouts are scheduled

  • Email the coach directly to learn the dates

Important: Not all coaches take walk-ons seriously, but many do. It's worth pursuing.

Step 2: Make Contact Before Tryouts

  • Let the coach know you're interested and will be attending

  • If your high school or club coach has any connection to the school, have them reach out on your behalf

  • Email the coach at least a couple of times leading up to tryouts

  • Don't expect a ton of response, but get yourself on their radar

What to Show at Tryouts

Understand What the Coach is Looking For

Coaches need to see that you can help the team win—either right now or in the next couple of years.

The Common Mistake

DON'T: Try to prove you're a 20-point-per-game scorer. Don't worry about making or missing shots or making flashy plays.

DO: Understand that walk-ons start with incredibly limited roles and focus on excelling in that reality.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Life as a Walk-On

Eric Butler
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Why Players Stay - A Coach’s Role