Tryouts 101

Trying out for a cheerleading team can be an intimidating process, from making new friends to making sure you don’t forget the new material you were taught, trying to navigate a cheerleading tryout can be a bit tricky, here are few tips to make sure you are prepared to shine at tryouts!

Photo from the Wall Street Journal

1. Prepare Early

I’m sure your teachers always tell you, “never leave your homework until the last minute.” Well, the same goes for cheerleading! The earlier that you begin to prepare for tryouts, the less nerve-wracking it will be once you step out on the practice mat. Start some basic stretching exercises and conditioning to help get you in shape.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

I’m sure that when you get an email full of the tryout material, you would much rather roll over and continue watching Netflix. Going over tryout material a little bit everyday will help you to go into the tryout comfortable with the material you will need to perform.

3. Be Confident

Cheerleaders are known for their bright smiles and great confidence, so what makes a tryout any different? Walk tall into tryouts confidently, try to be in the front as much as possible and try to set yourself apart (in a good way) from the cheerleaders around you. You can be a leader at a tryout even if you aren’t already on the team!

4. Ask Questions

Whether its a question before the tryout takes place or once you get there, don’t be afraid to ask! Coaches would rather have athletes that want to fully understand all directions clearly. Reach out to the coach or another athlete with experience with the team and don’t let nerves discourage you!