How to Get Ready for Cheerleading Tryouts

Last Updated: April 22, 2020

Have you ever wondered how people make the cheerleading squad? Well, they go through the tryouts, which is where they are auditioned for a spot on a team. Read on for more information on how to make the cheerleading squad!

Steps

1
Practice every day: This is crucial when trying to make the squad. If you don't practice, then you won't make the team.
2
Make sure that you can do the dance and cheer perfectly: If you see any problems with any motions, do them until you can get them right.

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3
Stretch: The judges will be impressed if you can do some tumbling moves, and the key to that is to be flexible and stretch.
4
Work out at least every other day and try to break a sweat for at least one hour:
5
Talk yourself into realistic success: Visualize succeeding and seeing yourself through to the team. But if you feel nervous, say to yourself: "Hey, if I make it - wonderful! But if I don't make it, then that is OK because I can just try harder next year and I will already have experience."
6
Tumbling. Make sure at tryouts you show the judges that you can at least do a little bit of tumbling:
7
Steel yourself: Not only do you need to be physically ready, but mentally ready too. Psych yourself up with positive thoughts, positive self-talk and have a confident air. Don't start creating negative thoughts, focus on the good ones.
8
Eat very healthy foods up until your tryouts: But don't stop there. Eat healthily after tryouts as well.
9
Reassure yourself that you are going to do your best and show your best: You have to be confident.
10
Don't forget to have your check-up (physical) form with you: They need to know if there is anything that might harm you.
11
The most important things that you have to remember is to smile, be confident, be friendly, and try your hardest: Not all of the people who make the squad are the best cheerleaders in the world. The judges and coaches also choose their cheerleaders based on whether or not you have potential. If you smile, show confidence, be as friendly as possible, and show the judges that you are trying you hardest, they will see that you really care about making the team.
12
Do your best and good luck: Make that squad!

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Community Q&A

Question

What if the child isn't flexible? She keeps stretching, but it isn't working, and she still wants to be a cheerleader.

Community Answer

Flexibility doesn't come easy for everyone. Consider getting her private lessons. It may not make too much of a difference, because if she stretches every day, the flexibility will come.
Question

Do the judges look at your body type at tryouts?

Community Answer

To some extent, especially if they are considering you to be a flyer, but people of all body types should feel welcome to try out for cheerleading.
Question

Will I stay fit if I get ready for cheerleading tryouts?

Community Answer

Yes! Always remember to stretch and work hard! It's also good if you healthy.
Question

What types of jumps are required for cheer?

Community Answer

You will most likely need a toe-touch, a herkie, a hurdler, and a pike. Those are the jumps cheerleaders usually add into routines.
Question

How can I become more confident in doing my round off back handspring?

Community Answer

Practice it as much as possible beforehand, as that will build confidence. Stretch and prep before doing it, and keep a positive attitude that you'll succeed.
Question

If I already dance, will I make the team?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. You need to have the cheers, dances, jumps, and chants down perfectly. Being a dancer helps, but it doesn't give you an automatic spot.
Question

What if you don't know how to tumble, but you know how to do the basic stuff? Will you be able to get on the cheer team?

Community Answer

Most schools don't require tumblers.
Question

Do I need to be able to do a back handspring?

Community Answer

It all depends on how strict your tryout is.
Question

What if I hurt myself at the cheer tryouts but still did really well? Would I make the cheer team?

Community Answer

It's impossible for someone online to determine this. It depends on the person who judged the auditions.
Question

How would I do a back handspring?

Community Answer

You have to be able to do a back walkover first. You have to practice swinging your arms back, and increase shoulder strength because you will be landing on your shoulders.

Warnings

Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Thanks!
Helpful 155 Not Helpful 6
If you do make the squad, do not be mean to the other people who did not. This will be bad for your reputation if you are mean to the others and eventually will come back on you in a bad way. Cheerleading is like anything else in life; you get back what you put in, so put in good things only.

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Helpful 142 Not Helpful 7
Don't do anything that can hurt you in any way, shape, or form by pushing your limits. Take care of your body and know your limitations.

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Helpful 131 Not Helpful 9
Don't be upset if you don't make the team. There is always next year to try again.

Thanks!
Helpful 123 Not Helpful 20