There is something alluring about cheerleading. For those that cheer, it’s a passion, not just a hobby. Not everyone who wants to cheer will do well at it, and those who want to do well have to put themselves out there and try out. Learn how to make the cheer team from the ground up. It’s not just about knowing the chants or the right people.

Introduction to Cheerleading Tryouts

Cheerleading tryouts are about form and function. You’ll present yourself to a group of decision makers who want to know why you are a good fit for the squad. There are dozens of elements that go into that decision. There are different cheerleading tryout processes, but most involve making a strong first impression, demonstrating your skills and captivating your audience.

Making the team can mean everything to you. When that’s the case, you need to know what to put into the process to go big and impress them. That starts with a combination of several preparation strategies. You’ll focus on:

• Physical fitness: Being fit and capable of being active is an important part of the process. That doesn’t mean a specific size or look, but rather the ability to cheer.
• Skill development: Building your skills demonstrates commitment to the practice and art of cheerleading (it really is an art form when done well).
• Mental readiness: Just like the teams that take the field that you’ll cheer for, there’s an important mental edge cheerleaders need to have to engage their audience and fit in within the squad.

It is also important to review the criteria set by the judges to determine if you’re qualified. That includes requirements for technique, enthusiasm and team fit. Discuss what they're looking for and ask questions about where there are gaps in the cheerleading squad that you can fit into to be an active member.

Mastering Cheerleading Skills

This is the big question to start with, and what current cheerleaders will tell you can make or break someone trying out for the squad. There are dozens of ways to learn cheerleading skills. You can start by checking out some cheers and chants that modern squads are using now. Take the time to explore some videos online. But one of the best resources is the current cheerleaders. Open the conversation about what type of cheering they do, where they learn their skills and what fundamentals the squad focuses on during practices. If you haven’t done so in the past, attend a few events leading up to tryouts. Get a feel for what’s expected of you.

Know the basics from the starting point. Again, every squad is a bit different, but some of the most important jumps and stunts you’ll need to do or understand how to do for tryouts include:

• Toe touch: The most common jump requires you to jump upward, position your legs parallel to the ground in a straddle position and come down smoothly.
• Herkie: This is a commonly used jump in which one of your legs is straight out to the side while the other is bent under you.
• Pike: With a pike, both legs are straight out in front, parallel to the ground.
• Spread eagle: One of the more challenging jumps for those who are just starting out, this jump requires you to jump upward and balance height with landing.
• Hurdler: These are done with both front and side versions, where one leg is extended forward or to the side while the other is bent.

It’s not just about being able to perform these stunts and jumps. You need to work on your technique. Small differences in angles and form can make a big difference in a competitive cheering tryout. Work on gaining precision accuracy.

Details matter. When you make mistakes, even very slight miscalculations, it can create a heightened risk of injury. That’s why cheerleaders need to execute jumps safely. This ultimately improves their overall performance as well.

Cheerleading Practice Tips

You can find lots of videos and training guides to help you get started. But a big difference maker is practice. You’ll need to develop a set amount of time to practice most days of the week. This should also spread out practice across all skills you need to master. Create a plan that allows you to focus on various skills, building in complexity over time. Use these tips to help you structure your practices more effectively:

• Create a schedule for the week. Give yourself an hour or more each day. Spread out what you’re working on throughout the week.
• Set some goals. Work on factors like flexibility and reps. Track your success in reaching these goals week after week.
• Keep track of your progress. When possible, record yourself at the start of the week. After each week, review where you stand and notice the improvements you’re making.

Most often, there’s a cheer camp that you’ll be invited to after you demonstrate interest in cheering. This camp opens the door for you to learn the art of cheering. It also gives you direct access to the coaches who make decisions. Coaches will provide feedback, and they will watch what you do with that feedback.

• Are you applying what you’re learning?
• Are you taking constructive feedback in a positive way?
• Are you willing to learn new things and push beyond your limitations?
• Do you prioritize the safety of yourself and others?
• Are you willing to put the time and hard work into the process?

Always work to achieve your best. Coaches are not always looking for perfection, but effort and determination.

The Perfect Cheerleading Tryout Outfit

What you wear matters. When it comes to choosing the right outfit for a cheer tryout, there are several things to remember.

• You have to be comfortable and capable of being flexible. Choose something you can easily move in.
• Choose clothing that fits your body well, that is appropriate for the environment, but also supportive of your curves.
• Choose clothing that’s breathable and lightweight. You will be working hard, and you don’t want your clothes to show it.
• Know the rules. Make sure you ask questions before the tryout or camps to find out what they expect you to wear. Many times, there’s a dress code you need to meet.
• Find a way to personalize your look so you stand out. Know the colors you’re representing and incorporate them. Avoid anything that’s too distracting.

Whatever you wear, it needs to help you look good out there. And, it should help you feel confident as well.

Understanding Cheerleading Tryout Judges’ Expectations

Now you know the skill, and you have the right look, but you need to know what your judges are looking for in the ideal new cheerleader. Before going further, read any information provided to you. Papers, online resources and any other communication shared can provide you with clarity on what the judges expect.

There are several things most cheerleading judges expect from those trying out:

• They are loud and clear. It’s easy to understand you. Your voice projects well.
• You have sharp arm movements.
• You’re using proper technique in each movement.
• You are engaging in a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• You’re engaging with the cheer music well. Your movements align with the experience.

Beyond this, judges expect you to incorporate energy and excitement, have a fantastic smile and be commanding of the audience. They want you to have a good stage presence. The worst thing you can do is to let your fear, anxiety or overthinking get in the way. Aim to have fun.

Cheerleading Tryout Success Stories

What if you want the inside scoop or you just want to be the person who exudes confidence? Use tryout success stories to help you.

Some of the most authentic insights are through YouTube and Instagram videos. But don’t fall for those accounts of professionals or those looking for clicks. Instead, look for those success stories that showcase individuals who are just starting out and found themselves going through some challenges before standing proud and landing the position.

Successful tryouts happen when you’re confident in who you are, what you want to do and your skills. Any type of video or resource you find online needs to showcase those details of another person’s success story. Bottom line – you want people who are heart-and-soul honest about their experience, even if it wasn’t perfect.

Cheerleading Competitions and Team Spirit

Competitions are at the heart of why tryouts are so important. These are opportunities where intense passion for the sport is revealed through the creativity and hard work of every member on the squad. Your cheer tryout helps judges know how you’ll perform during these competitions. That includes everything from Pop Warner to high school to college cheer and later to USA Cheer.

At the heart of success in competitions is your ability to truly work as a team. When one person makes mistakes, it costs the entire cheerleading team. Demonstrate that you’re a supportive member of the team. Lead through being a team player and demonstrating your compassion for others. When cheerleaders support each other, the entire team thrives.

Make it a point to participate. That includes more than just cheer practice but team events, fundraising opportunities and bonding experiences. It all matters.

Ready to Try Out for Cheer?

Whether your goal is to dominate at the cheer dance championship or just show pride in your local team, tryouts are a big part of the process. There are plenty of days for practicing and building skills. But you also have to be ready and willing to build confidence, passion and understanding of the sport as well.

Choose a comprehensive approach to preparing for cheerleading tryouts, where you work both on your physical skills and mental readiness. Bring in the extra support, take criticism and learn from it and then work to perfect your skills.

The most critical aspect of tryout preparation is building your confidence. When you do, it will be contagious to anyone in the audience watching you. That is, ultimately, the goal of being on the cheerleading squad – to invigorate others.