How to Prepare For Cheerleading Tryouts

How to Prepare For Cheerleading Tryouts

At most cheer tryouts, the cheerleaders are required to show their skill level in dance, cheer, jumps, and tumble in front of a group of judges. For cheer dance you will typically perform different styles of choreography; such as hip hop, jazz, and pom. In cheer dance tryouts you will also be asked to showcase skills such as; jumps, leaps, and turns. It is completely normal to be excited, nervous, and even scared, but if you come well prepared you will be able to "own it" and give a “Rockstar” tryout performance!

First things first, before you commit to tryouts, think about if this is something that will make you happy. Ask yourself if you have the time and the passion to be part of a team. Cheerleaders rely on each person on the team to be at practices, performances, and competitions. It is very important that you can follow through with your commitment considering that others will need you to be there. After you have thought about these things and decided this is something that you would want to do; it is time to start preparing for the big day.

 Know the Requirements

It is crucial to know what is expected of you at tryouts. There are typically informational meetings and clinics held before the tryout. It is important to take notes at the meetings and to ask for a score sheet just to be well prepared. It is also very valuable to take advantage of any clinics offered, this way you can learn from the coaches and see what skills may need more work than others. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the actual tryout day.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you know all of your material that you will perform at the tryout, practice as much as possible. This is when you want to give 100 percent so that you can have a “Rockstar” performance on the big day. Simply learning the dance, cheer, and chant at the clinics prior isn't enough. It is also a good idea to get with friends so you can watch each other and give one another tips and pointers to help each other get better.

Find a Mentor

Reach out to past or present team members to ask questions or to obtain advice. Veteran team members are able to give you a good idea about what the coaches and judges are looking for when putting together a cheerleading squad. Ask them about their past cheerleading tryouts and see if they have any extra tips that you can use during your tryout that will make you stand out!

Attitude Is Everything

Coaches and sponsors often keep an eye out for attitude, even at the tryout clinics. Smile, encourage others, and don't be afraid to help others out. It is very important to always be a team player. This is a way to make yourself stand out. There is no complaining, no whining, and no “I can't do this" in cheerleading. When you become a cheerleader you automatically become a role model for other so go ahead and step into this role in the beginning.

The Night Before

1)    Knock out all of your homework and school projects early. Make sure that all your school work is complete before starting to review any material for your tryout. Remember you are a student first and a cheerleader second. Late night studying can interfere with your focus and a good night sleep. A good night sleep is imperative to be able to deliver that “Rockstar” tryout performance!

2)     Plan your outfit ahead of time so that you will have one less thing to stress about. Pay attention to detail - some tryouts have specific guidelines on hair, makeup, socks, and shoes. If there are no guidelines choose a fun but neat/clean outfit, make sure to keep hair out of your face, go with a natural makeup look with a pink or red lip, and your shoes and socks should be simple and clean. Make sure to leave all your jewelry at home for the big day, you are the "jewel" at tryouts!

3)     Make sure to rest. The night before, most people have the "tryout jitters". Just remember that you have worked very hard for this day and that you have planned ahead and there is nothing to worry about. Tell yourself over and over that tomorrow I will do my very best. Turn off the lights and take long deep breathes until you fall fast asleep.

At The Tryout             

1)    Be on top of your game at all times. When standing before the judges smile and maintain poise. Remember that cheerleaders are role models and ambassadors for your school and community. Keep eye contact with the judges at all times. Make sure you are loud and assertive in your cheers, make it fun so that the judges want to get up and cheer with you. "Own It" walk into the tryout like you were born to be a cheerleader.

2)    Be confident at all times. Be the cheerleader the judges can envision cheering on the football field leading the crowd. Keep your head up, make and maintain eye contact with the judges, and smile.

 3)    Move past mistakes. If you mess up just keep going and pick up where you left off. Remember this is your day and you can usually ask if you can do something again if you mess up, so just keep smiling and be confident. The judges have been in your position before so they know that you are nervous. Remember that you are well prepared. Just do your best and give them a “Rockstar” tryout performance.

  The authors

 Natalie Gregg is from Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Natalie has been an instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association for 4 years. She earned a UCA College National Championship title in 2005 while cheering at ULM. Natalie has been coaching for the past 7 years as well as Head All-Star Cheer Coach in her home town for 3 years. She has also worked as a choreographer in the States of Louisiana and Arkansas. Cheerleading has been a part of her life for 14 years and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for this sport internationally in China!