B.E. Aggressive

Anyone who says cheerleading isn’t a sport can take a seat. Cheerleaders know the athleticism involved in executing perfectly timed movements, and the sport requires just as much energy and competitive spirit as football or baseball. You’ll want to bring your best game to tryouts. Remember that you may be having a blast, but you’re still competing for a highly athletic roster spot.

Attitude is Everything

A cheerleader with a perfect cartwheel won’t pump up a single audience member (not to mention a competition judge) is he or she has a sour mood. Show your passion for the sport and keep a smile on your face at all times during tryouts. If you make a mistake, get right back up and show the coach that you are always willing to try again. A coach can help you improve your talent, but they may pass on an athlete with a poor attitude.

 Military Movements in Mind

Ballet dancers, beware. Although many cheerleaders start as dancers or vice versa, cheerleading is not the sport for slow, graceful movements. If you’re coming from a dance background, think about the precision movements of a military soldier instead of the grace of a ballerina. Cheers are all about hitting the right mark at the right time, and that requires sharp, concise movements. For inspiration, watch cheer competitions on YouTube and notice the military-like precision of each move.

Grab a Friend

Tryout preparation shouldn’t be completely stressful. Find a friend who also plans to tryout for the squad and meet up to practice together. Go in one of your backyards and make up a cheer together. If you have access to your school’s cheers, even better. Practice the routine’s you’ll perform for the tryout. For added practice, perform your new cheer for your friends or family. Stage fright is not an option for a cheerleader. If your nerves get the best of you once you’re in front of a crowd, keep practicing.

 Tumble (Dance) to the Top

Many school or club cheerleading teams will place high value on gymnast during tryouts, though you can check the team’s requirements to be sure. If you have a bit of time before the big day, consider taking gymnastics (or dance classes) during the summer or during the school year before you plan to tryout. If you are a gymnast, don’t be afraid to let the coach know and demonstrate your skills.

 Eat Well

On the morning of tryouts be sure to have a healthy breakfast. Fruit, yogurt or a healthy bowl of cereal (think Cheerios not Lucky Charms) will keep you fueled throughout the long day. Avoid caffeine, as it will make you more jittery if you are already nervous. But why wait? Eating healthy throughout the year will help you feel strong come tryout day.

Know Cheer Basics

When spiriting onto the floor, don't yell, "Woooo!" Coaches really don't like that. Instead, try saying things like, "Let's go Turtles!  Turtles, Number one!  Go Big Green!   All right!"  and make sure you are projecting with a loud, low-ish voice from your stomach instead of screeching from your throat. Then smile, smile, smile! Show that enthusiasm and pep!