Don't be afraid! Go for it! The best way to get rid of fear is to feel as prepared as possible for tryouts, which we can help you with!
Know What to Expect
Before you can start preparing, you have to know how the tryout process works and what the coach will expect you to know. What’s the best way to find out? Ask! Approach the cheer coach, or a current cheerleader already on the squad, and ask about what you should know and how you can best prepare. They can give you the inside scoop, or at least a few pointers that will help out.
Start Stretching
Whether you’ve only just learned a cartwheel or you’re a master tumbler, stretching is one of the best ways to practice for tryouts. Stretching is the foundation of flexibility, which is needed for all stunts, tumbles, and jumps. You can’t do a scorpion, back tuck, splits, or herkie without being flexible!
If you’re not flexible, start slow. The worst thing you can do is push yourself too hard. You can’t tryout for cheer if you pull a muscle! A common mistake cheerleaders-in-training make is forcing the splits or trying to master the splits within a few days. While it can be frustrating to stretch daily for several months, you must be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the splits take time.
If you feel like you’re not increasing your flexibility, take out a ruler! Each week, measure how far you can reach or stretch. It will help you see that you are improving, even if it is inch by inch.
Master Basic Tumbling Motions
If you’ve never taken a tumbling or gymnastics class, your tumbling skills probably only include cartwheels and handstands. This doesn’t mean you can’t make the cheer squad! There are plenty of cheerleaders who didn’t know how to tumble when they first made the squad. A coach isn’t expecting you to be perfect; it’s all about potential and having the basic building blocks needed to learn stunts and tumbles.
While you shouldn’t try to learn back handsprings and other advanced tumbling on your own without a spotter or instructor of some sort, there are some stunts you can familiarize yourself with. One great resource is our University Guide to Tumbling. You’ll learn tips, tricks, and information on all the basic tumbling moves needed as a cheerleader.
Get in the Spirit
You can’t just move like a cheerleader; you’ve got to cheer like a cheerleader! A big part of being a cheerleader is getting the crowd excited with spirited cheers. It’s important to shout cheers loudly, but coherently. Practice enunciating and cheerfully shouting short cheers.
Look the Part
Now that you’ve got the moves and attitude of a cheerleader, it’s time to look like a cheerleader! Wear a form fitting practice tank and shorts. If possible wear your school or cheer squad colors! Make sure your shoes are clean and white, and preferably specifically for cheer. If you really want to look spirited, wear a cheer bow in your school or team colors and matching makeup. Just make sure that if you do wear makeup, keep it simple and natural.
Night-Before/Morning-Of Prep
Go to bed early and get a full night’s rest. Pack your tryout clothing, accessories, and other necessities so you don’t forget anything the next day. In the morning, eat a healthy breakfast and pack a water bottle and healthy, energy-boosting snacks, like granola bars, fruit, veggies, trail mix, or a sandwich. If you have time, do a few stretches. Don’t forget a notepad and pen to jot down any notes you may need to remember during tryouts.
Ready, Set, Go!
The time has come to hit the stage and show the coach what you’ve got! Arrive early and stretch for at least fifteen minutes before you tryout. Make sure you’ve filled out any and all forms. Don’t concentrate on being perfect; it will only cause more stress. Instead, focus on smiling and acting spirited. If you mess up, smile and act like nothing happened! After, thank the coach and ask when decisions will be made. Once your tryout is over, breathe a sigh of relief and be proud of your accomplishment – you did it!
Just go for it! If you are scared the girls will make fun of you, you could get another friend to join with you. Who knows, maybe you will become best friends with the girls on the squad! And don't worry about messing up, everyone does. Try to make friends with the other girls before-hand and maybe they could teach you something. If you work your hardest to do well and make friends with some other cheerleaders, you will do just fine :) GOOD LUCK!
Don't be scared, and nobody will notice and if they do they will blow it off. If they make a big deal about it there childish, don't care about what other people think. And if u mess up just keep smiling and move on like nothing happened. Because if you make a big deal about it you'll definitly be noticed. You'll be fine, if you tell yourself you can't do it you'll chicken yourself out of it. You'll do great wish you luck ~
you should try out! sports are really fun and they will accept you...and if its to bad try out for a club team
