Question by snowangel03ak: What can I do to prepare myself to be ready for cheerleading tryouts in July?
I’m trying out for cheerleading for the first time, and I want to know things that I can do over the summer to prepare me for try outs..like streches, excersies, & should I take some sort of class at a gymnastic place?
Best answer:
Answer by Candi
Yes, gymnastics is always a plus. What you really need to do is find someone who is already a cheerleader, or who was a cheerleader, to couch you over the summer. They can teach you everything you need to know, so that way you will be prepared when try-outs come.
What do you think? Answer below!
make sure you stretch and practice jumps on the tramp and then practice on the ground with an approach. Gymnastics classes will help but don’t expect to get a bhs that quick. If you ask a senior that just graduated to help you that would be a huge bonus to you. They know what the coach likes and they know the material. They can give you helpful hints and maybe help you learn cheers and chants that they do. Most seniors are willing to help out.
Here is also what I give my cheerleaders before they try out.
In order for you to have a super try out follow some of these suggesions.
1. Look like a cheerleader – This will make a big difference on your appearance score. Wear a school shirt, bow in your hair, subtle make-up, NO jewelry, cheer shoes, cheer shorts. Girls who don’t work on their appearance tend to blend into the group rather than stand out.
2. Smile – Smile when you run in, smile when you are standing there, smile when you are stunting, and smile when you are cheering. This will make you more approachable as well as make you look more like a cheerleader. Girls that don’t smile just look like they DON’T want to be there, and can get scored accordingly.
3. Hit the crowd (Judges) – Hit the crowd by saying things like, “GO team!” when you run onto the floor, when you finish a cheer/chant, and even when you stunt. Many girls just stand there afterwards and by adding this you will definitely get the judges attention
4. Be heard – Make sure the judges can hear what you are saying as well as be heard over the other girls. Many girls are so quiet and get deducted points for this. (Please don’t shout the words!)
5. Posture – Make sure your head/chest are up when you stand there, and that you are standing at attention when you are done with a skill. This shows confidence, and will get you noticed compared to the many girls who tend to sloutch and/or cross their legs when they are nervous.
6. Confidence -you must have confidence during the tryout period. At least act like you know what you are doing so the judges feel you could fit in immediately.
7. Practice – Practicing in front of a mirror. You are your worst critic so use that to your advantage and work on your skills.
8. Jewelry – Take off all of your jewelry. It is frowned upon. It is also Illegal.
9. Contribute – Remember the Coach is a judge too. She will be watching during try out practices. Make sure you are contributing to your group.
10. Be on time – Always be 15 min early. Never show up late. If the coach sees that you are ready to go you will score points. If for some reason you can’t make it to practice or will be late call and let the coach know.
Good Luck and remember to smile 🙂
Hi I’m a competitive cheerleader! 🙂
You probably really want to get a standing back handspring before you try out. You should look into tumbling classes in your area.
also practice jumps. if you don’t know specific jumps or approaches, you can find plenty of videos of them on youtube.
to increase endurance you may want to start running as well.
Work on your balance and flexibility for stunting. do splits everyday.
also lift weights to improve strength.
hope this helps!