Cheerleading tryouts can be conducted in many ways. Some coaches use a traditional tryout in front of a panel of outside judges, while others choose to judge the tryout process themselves. Regardless of the format, cheerleading tryouts can be nerve-racking for prospective cheerleaders. Do your homework and pay attention in order to have a successful tryout this year.
Prepare
Preparation is the best way to ensure a good tryout. During informational meetings and pre-tryout clinics, make sure you fully understand all of the tryout requirements and processes. Do not be afraid to ask questions and even take notes. Spend time outside of the tryout clinics practicing the required materials. Pair up with someone else who is trying out and work on the materials. Use tryout clinic time wisely, working hard to perfect materials. Do not waste time during tryout clinics talking and goofing around.
Appearance
Before you even hit a motion or attempt a skill, you will already have made your first impression on the judges with your appearance. Make sure that you follow every instruction the coach gives regarding tryout attire. You might be asked to wear school colors or a specific type of shorts. Do all you can to comply with these requests. If no specifics were given, choose a T-shirt and shorts that allow you to move but are not overly baggy. For safety reasons, do not wear clothing with zippers or snaps, and do not wear jewelry. Keep your hair pulled back, out of your face, and up, off of your shoulders.
Confidence
Thanks to all of the practicing you have done and your impeccable appearance, be confident at tryouts. It is the one thing that can set you apart from the other prospective cheerleaders. Once you get in front of the judges, do not show any hesitation. Confidently perform all required materials. If you make a mistake, recover as quickly as possible. Do not be afraid to ask if you can try a skill one more time, but do not ask for more than one do-over as the judges have other prospects to evaluate. Make direct eye contact with the judges whenever possible.
Enthusiasm
The most important skill you can exhibit at tryouts is your ability to be enthusiastic. The most basic part of this is smiling. Even if you mess up, do not stop smiling. It can be difficult to show excitement in a tryout situation because there is no game going on and no points being scored. You must practice this part at home. Practice cheering loudly and performing impromptu displays of spirit. Plan out the exact words and phrases you will shout when you are at the end of cheers and other skills so that you do not draw a blank in front of the judges.
Member Comments