Cheerleading tryouts are meant to separate the average from the outstanding in order to build a strong squad. Whether you have a cheerleading background or you've never cheered before, coaches will offer equal opportunities to those willing to learn and those who show the most potential. By knowing what coaches look for in a prospective squad member, you can prepare accordingly to ensure that you get noticed on the floor.
Athleticism and Showmanship
The cheerleaders' true purpose is to entertain crowds during games while maintaining morale and enthusiasm for the competition. That means your ability to entertain, otherwise known as showmanship, will account for much of what coaches are looking for during the tryout. Your general athleticism and athletic endurance also play into how the coaches will imagine you performing on the squad. Even if you're not an experienced cheerleader, staying positive can help you look more appealing to coaches.
Dance Technique
Many dance techniques are incorporated into cheerleading routines. Often, part of the cheerleading tryout will be learning a short dance routine to perform for the judges. When it comes to dancing, sharp, basic technique often shows more positively than sloppy, complex attempts. By sticking to the basics of dance and using easy steps, you can show off your clean lines and technique rather than the difficulty of a routine.
Gymnastics and Tumbling
Cheerleaders often must complete basic tumbling moves, such as handsprings and flips, which is why you'll have an advantage if you have a gymnastics background, even if you've never cheered before. Some squads might have certain requirements for even trying out, such as the ability to complete a back handspring. If you don't have a gymnastics background, your willingness to learn tumbling skills and your raw potential can make you an attractive member for the squad. For your own safety, stay within your limits and don't attempt tumbling skills that are too difficult.
Cheering and Energy
Of course, one of the major components of an attractive squad member is the ability to cheer. Cheering as a practice encompasses cheers and rhymes, energy and rhythm. You might be asked to present your own cheer for the tryout, or you might be taught a quick cheer by the staff to present to the coaches for judging. Cheering needs to be loud, positive and rhythmic to be successful. By showing off plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you show that you're ready to get the crowd pumped up during a game.
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