Formats for cheerleading tryouts vary greatly. Some coaches use a traditional format with small groups of girls standing before a panel of judges. Others use a station tryout where individual cheerleaders rotate through stations performing one element, such as jumps, in front of a judge with expertise in that category. Some even abandon tryouts completely, choosing the squad in a manner more similar to basketball cuts. Regardless of how your squad is being chosen, there are some universal rules for cheerleading tryouts.
Be Prepared
The most important rule for cheerleading tryouts is be prepared. Start early, training for tryout week even before the first meeting is announced. Take advantage of every informational meeting, tryout clinic and extra practice session offered. Ask many questions to make sure that you understand every tryout specification and each part of the tryout process. Practice continually. Schedule practice time with a buddy who is also trying out. Get feedback from your family. Perform tryout materials in front of a mirror to see if you are doing them right. Practice until you feel you have perfected the materials, and then practice a little more.
Dress Right
Appearance is important at cheerleading tryouts. First make sure you understand any attire specifications your coach has for tryouts and abide by them. If your coach does not have specifications, make sure to dress neatly. Choose shorts and a T-shirt that are not overly baggy. Wear your hair pulled back from your face and off your shoulders. Do not wear jewelry or sport a big wad of chewing gum in your mouth. Wear only light makeup.
Prepare for Mistakes
Cheerleaders are not perfect, they are performers. Be prepared to make a mistake at tryouts. Before the day of tryouts, make sure you ask the coach if you are allowed to start over if you make a mistake. If you make a small mistake or if the rules do not permit you to start over, try to recover quickly and keep a smile on your face right through the mistake. If you are allowed to start over, request a second chance, take a second to pull yourself together and try again. Regardless of what happens, keep on performing confidently and with excitement.
Have Fun
Of course, cheerleading tryouts bring a certain amount of stress with them. Everyone wants to make the team. However, if you can relax and have fun you will have a better chance at making the squad. Coaches are looking for cheerleaders who are comfortable performing cheerleading skills in front of an audience. Being unable to cheer loudly, fidgeting between skills and avoiding eye contact with the judges will make it obvious you are nervous. Relax, smile and have fun while you are trying out. Whether this tryout brings the beginning or the end of your cheerleading career, make that one performance memorable.
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