Being a cheerleader is a privilege. Not everyone gets to do it. If you think you are up to the challenge and have what it takes here are a few tips that will help you make the team.
Know The Details
Talk to the coach and read the paperwork and know where and when to be at practices and tryouts. If there are clothing requirements, follow them. Make sure that your hair is up and out of your face. Bring water and a snack. Sometimes practices can last 3-4 hours. If you have a hard time remembering things, bring a notepad to write down notes.
Talk to some of the cheerleaders that have already been on the team. Ask them what practices are like and what to expect from the coach and at games. See if they will practice with you and help you in any areas that they see you need to work on. They will know what the coach is looking for and how hard you need to work to make it.
Get In Shape
I cannot stress this enough. Coaches want athletes not couch potatoes. Weight doesn’t matter as much as being able to do the material, however, if you cant see your toes, you probably wont be able to touch them. Start working out now. Work out at least 30 minutes per day 5-6 days per week. Alternate between aerobic exercises and strength training.
I will also post a workout so that you can have a road map of what to do.
Stretching
Cheerleaders are flexible. Period. You need to be able to do the splits, or come close. Everyday after your workout stretch out every muscle. In just a few weeks you will be well on your way to gumpy!
Know The Basics
You can go online and find all of the cheerleading motions and jumps that you will need for tryouts. It will really impress the coaches if you take the initiative and know these before they have to teach them to you. How great will you look when the coach calls out a High V and you already know what it is and how to do it! Brownie points! I have posted a blog already about Jumps and here is a link to some cheerleading motions.
Gymnastics
If you have time enroll in some tumbling classes at a local gym. Let them know you are working on cheer tumbling. Some schools require tumbling at tryouts, some do not. For the teams that don’t, it certainly wont hurt you to have a back handspring!
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know, I don’t understand, or can you show me. This shows the coaches that you are willing to learn and make an effort to give your best. Make good use of the Internet and Youtube. There are tons of great ideas to be found. Just don’t walk into tryouts acting like a know-it-all. Each school may be different in how they teach material.
The Big Day
Here are a few things to remember the day of your tryout.
· Get plenty of sleep the night before.
· Be confident. If you've practiced and worked hard up to this point, then you should be ready. Believe in yourself.
· Keep your hair away from your face.
· Don't wear jewelry. Don't chew gum.
· Don't wear a lot of makeup.
· Wear your school colors or follow the clothing requirements.
· Take slow, deep breaths to calm and relax yourself.
· Drink plenty of water.
· Have a good attitude. Help others. Don't play around with your friends or talk too much.
· Smile. Smile. Smile.
· Be peppy and energetic. Show your enthusiasm.
· Use facial expressions.
· Look up. Never look down or at the floor. Make eye contact with the judges.
· Make your motions sharp and snappy.
· Don't sing your cheers. Use a loud, clear voice. Be careful not to rush them. Take your time.
· Point your toes.
· Land with your feet together.
· If you make a mistake, go on. Don't stop and stress over it. Use the opportunity to show you can recover from a mistake.
· Have fun and let it show.
GOOD LUCK!
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CW3
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