Cheerleading Coaches – Choosing Your Team at Tryouts

It is time for cheerleading tryouts and you will soon be choosing the new cheerleaders for your team. You want only the best since you want your team to shine. You have great plans for your cheer team this year and you need to find the cheerleaders that will be able to work together to achieve those goals. You know that you are looking for girls that will fit in with the style of your team. But what exactly is it that you should be watching for at cheerleading tryouts?

Appearance
The cheerleaders that you choose will portray an image that reflects greatly on your team.
Watch for cheerleaders who have a neat and clean appearance with minimal makeup and properly fitting clothing. Look for cheerleaders who are in shape. Does the cheerleader portray the image you want to put forth?

Voice
One of the most important tools that a cheerleader possesses is her voice. Listen for cheerleaders who know how to yell in a loud, solid voice without screeching or singing. Does the cheerleader enunciate well?

Enthusiasm
Does the cheerleader have a lot of enthusiasm? A cheerleader’s voice should reflect the spirit of the team.
Does she smile? A cheerleader should smile regardless of how nervous, or frustrated she is.
The cheerleader should look like she is having fun out there.

Attitude & Personality
Attitude is probably the most important thing to watch for. A cheerleader with a poor attitude will never be a committed team player and will not reflect the spirit of your team. Look for a cheerleader that is outgoing, confident and friendly. Someone who does not give up easily and continues on with her head held high, even after making mistakes, will be a major asset to your team.

Willing to Try New Things
All the cheerleaders on your team will have to be open to trying new things, whether it is new dance moves or more advanced stunts. Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid and will be willing to put forth the effort into trying something that they have never seen or done before, even if they may not succeed at it right away. A cheerleader that can do only a few stunts but tries hard to learn the new ones is more valuable than the cheerleader who can do many stunts but is unwilling to improve them or learn more.

Leadership
Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid to take control of a situation and are willing to initiate things, not just be a follower.

Team Work
Team work is extremely important as you need your team to work well together. Watch how the cheerleader interacts with others. Does she help another cheerleader out who was having trouble or does she stand aside and mock the teammate? Does the cheerleader speak of “I” or “we”? Does she interact with the other teammates or wish the other girls good luck?

Versatility
A cheerleader who is versatile and can perform many functions within the team is quite valuable. Can the cheerleader be a base or a flier, or is she capable of doing either?

Tumbling & Stunts
If your team will be tumbling and/or stunting, have a minimum level in mind that each cheerleader must meet. Should they know how to do a back handspring? If the cheerleader has not mastered this, how willing is she to try to do so. What you are looking for and what each cheerleader needs to know is up to you and the needs of your team.

Commitment
Look for cheerleaders who are knowledgeable. If you cheer for a school or sports team, look for cheerleaders who have a basic knowledge of the game and also perform well academically as grades may be a factor in the cheerleader being allowed to cheer. Also, look for cheerleaders who are going to be committed. Be up front about all commitments of not only practices and games but any competitions, camps, and community or school activities. It is also important to make the cheerleader aware of any financial commitments that may be necessary. Be sure that the cheerleader is able, and willing, to fulfill these commitments.

Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate each person trying out for the cheerleading squad can really determine the success of your team. Try not to rush your tryouts. Hold tryouts over a span of several days for the best results.

Cheerleaders – Should You Try Out For Cheerleading?

Cheerleading tryouts are coming up soon and you are thinking about trying out. Even if you have already selected the team you will be trying out for, you may want do some research before you attend any tryouts. In order to increase your chances at making the team, you will want to be sure that you will be a good fit for the team and that the team is a good fit for you! To do this you will need to know what the team is all about. You know you want to join a new team but what kind of team? What things should you be looking considering when choosing a team to tryout for? Here are some things that you may want to find out.


What is the team’s style?
Look at the team’s previous members. Are they bouncy and enthusiastic? Athletic? Fun and eccentric? Be sure your style meshes with the team style and you will fit in well.

Does the team cheer for sports teams? If so, what sports?
Be sure to have a basic knowledge and enthusiasm of the sports for which the team cheers. However, if the team cheers for a football team and you hate football, consider another squad.

Is the team competitive?
If the team is competitive there will probably be a lot of focus on mastering skills and acquiring new, advanced ones too. You will likely experience demanding practices and expectations will be higher than teams who do not compete. Is this what you are looking for?

Am I expected to be capable of certain dance, tumbling or stunting skills at tryouts?
If so, be sure to practice them well in advance so that you can perform them to the best of your ability.

Does the team participate in many spirit activities, fundraising, community events or volunteering?
These activities can require a lot of time and commitment. Is this something you are willing to commit to? Are you outgoing enough to be comfortable with these activities?

What are the time and financial requirements for the team?
Be aware of the team’s schedule and commitments as well as the financial expectations of the team. Be sure that you are able to meet these requirements ahead of time.


Do some research and talk to the coach before tryouts. Express your interest in the squad and find out if there is anything specific that they are looking for. Not only will you get the information you need but you will have caught the attention of the coach.

How to Get Noticed at Cheerleading Tryouts

You’ve been preparing for Cheerleading Tryouts daily. You’ve taken some tumbling classes at the local gym. You’ve stretched every night and have done all you can to perfect your jumps, by now your last name should be Herkie. Your motions are crisp and strong. Each time your mother walks by the bathroom she sees you make a variety of “facial expressions” in the mirror and the dog seems to be howling your cheers along with you. Physically and vocally you are ready for cheerleading tryouts – but so are 30 other girls. What can you do to leave a lasting impression on the judges?

Bring whatever you need to feel prepared and relaxed to tryouts. Bring your water bottle, a snack, your good luck charm. Bring anything that will help calm your nerves the day of tryouts.

Bring your confidence – stand tall, make eye contact with the judges. They’re more likely to remember the confident girl that gave them a genuine smile, over the wallflower.

Don’t stop smiling. A smile speaks a thousand words. Not to mention when you smile you naturally feel better – so why not smile the whole way through.

Dress the part – make sure your t-shirt says cheerleading. Wear your gym or school colors, cheerleading shoes, and absolutely no jewelry!

Hair pulled back with a big bow. You want the judges to see and remember your face. Pull your hair back and wear a bow in the team’s colors for extra attitude.

Subtle make up. Clean fresh make up is always great. Be sure to bring your lip gloss. If you nervous your mouth may get dry. A little lip gloss will go a long way!

Add a bit of school spirit – add a small fake tattoo of the school mascot to your face.

When you take the floor “Hit the crowd”. Approach the floor chanting “Go Team!, Let’s go! We’re #1!”. This will help wake up the judges and prepare them to watch you.

Don’t let a mistake bring you down. Keep going and pull through – this is after all what will be expected during a competition or game.

Be positive and have fun. The judges can tell if you’re having fun. Encourage others to show that you’re a team player. The judges are always watching you – even if it’s not your turn to try out.

Thank the judges after you tryout.

Remember most of all Have FUN! If you make the squad – CONGRATS! If you don’t make the squad – keep practicing – there’s always next year!