When it's your goal to make the cheerleading squad, preparation should start months in advance. By knowing what to expect and how most cheerleading tryouts are organized, you can better prepare to impress the coaches and current squad members for a better shot at the team. While each squad and tryout process is different, you'll find that the fundamentals are the same: the squad is looking for valuable additions who bring skill and enthusiasm to a stellar group of athletes.
Tryout Prep
By talking to the coaches and gathering all of the necessary literature and material for the tryouts, you'll be better prepared to impress at the tryouts. Most serious cheerleading tryouts last several days. This is to allow time for teaching choreography as well as seeing each hopeful's skill individually. There may be basic requirements to try out, as far as gymnastic skill and tumbling go, so ensure that you're properly prepared to exhibit the basics as well as show your personality and enthusiasm.
Dress Code
Unless otherwise specified in the various forms and information given to you before the tryout, come to the event wearing comfortable yet form-fitting clothes. While sweats often seem the most comfortable for moving your body, the coaches will need to see the lines of your body and the preciseness of your movements to be sure you're a good fit for the squad. Short cheer shorts and a tank top are best for girls, while a tank and basketball shorts work for boys. If you're unsure, check with the coaches beforehand.
What to Expect
At the beginning of the tryouts, you'll register with the coaches and you may receive a number. This allows the coaches and squad members to make notes and judge your performance quickly, without having to know your name. You'll be taught various pieces of choreography as well as simple cheers to repeat back to the judging panel. You may also be asked to prepare a cheer on your own to prove your skill. You'll be judged on gymnastics, dance, tumbling, enthusiasm and cheering, so ensure that you're practiced in all components to improve your chances.
Decision Time
After the tryouts, it may take several days for the coaches and squad members to compile and compare notes to decide who will and won't make the team. Check with the coaches for a general idea as to how long the process may take. You may have several levels of tryouts depending on how many squad members will be added to the team. Just remember that even if you don't make the squad, you'll have other opportunities to dance and preform gymnastics through avenues such as drill team, gymnastics team and community squads and programs.
Member Comments