How to Get Ready for Cheerleading Tryouts

Last Updated: February 7, 2023

Are you counting down the days until cheerleading tryouts? Thinking about the big day can be pretty nerve-wracking, but you have nothing to worry about—we've got you covered with plenty of advice on how to put your best foot forward when you take center stage on tryout day.

1

Practice every day.

This is crucial when trying to make the squad. If you don't practice, then you won't make the team.

2

Memorize the dance and cheer.

If you see any problems with any motions, do them until you can get them right.

3

Take time to stretch.

The judges will be impressed if you can do some tumbling moves. The key to that is to stretch and boost your flexibility.

4

Work out at least every other day.

Try to break a sweat for at least one hour.

5

Talk yourself into realistic success.

Visualize succeeding and seeing yourself through to the team. But if you feel nervous, say to yourself: "Hey, if I make it - wonderful! But if I don't make it, then that is OK because I can just try harder next year and I will already have experience."

6

Nail your tumbling.

Make sure at tryouts you show the judges that you can at least do a little bit of tumbling:

7

Steel yourself mentally.

You need to be both physically and mentally ready. Psych yourself up with positive thoughts, positive self-talk and have a confident air. Don't start creating negative thoughts, focus on the good ones.

8

Eat very healthy foods.

Eat nutritious food up until your tryouts. Don't stop there, though—be sure to eat healthily after tryouts as well.

9

Give yourself a self-confidence boost.

Reassure yourself that you are going to do your best and show your best. You have to be confident.

10

Bring your check-up form with you.

The judges need to know if there is anything that might harm you.

11

Smile, be friendly, and try your hardest.

These are the most important things that you have to remember. Not all of the people who make the squad are the best cheerleaders in the world. The judges and coaches also choose their cheerleaders based on whether or not they have potential. If you smile, show confidence, be as friendly as possible, and show the judges that you are trying you hardest, they will see that you really care about making the team.

Community Q&A

Question

What if the child isn't flexible? She keeps stretching, but it isn't working, and she still wants to be a cheerleader.

Community Answer

Flexibility doesn't come easy for everyone. Consider getting her private lessons. It may not make too much of a difference, because if she stretches every day, the flexibility will come.
Question

Do the judges look at your body type at tryouts?

Community Answer

To some extent, especially if they are considering you to be a flyer, but people of all body types should feel welcome to try out for cheerleading.
Question

Will I stay fit if I get ready for cheerleading tryouts?

Community Answer

Yes! Always remember to stretch and work hard! It's also good if you healthy.

Warnings

Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

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Helpful 157 Not Helpful 6
If you do make the squad, do not be mean to the other people who did not. This will be bad for your reputation if you are mean to the others and eventually will come back on you in a bad way. Cheerleading is like anything else in life; you get back what you put in, so put in good things only.

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Don't do anything that can hurt you in any way, shape, or form by pushing your limits. Take care of your body and know your limitations.

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Helpful 133 Not Helpful 9
Don't be upset if you don't make the team. There is always next year to try again.

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