How to Survive Cheerleading Tryouts

Cheerleading is a demanding sport for young men and women from grade-school age through young adulthood. It combines tumbling, dance, jumps and gymnastic stunts in an effort to enthuse fans at sporting events. Cheerleading boasts nearly 3 million participants in the U.S., including 1.5 million at the competitive all-star level.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Workout regularly to maintain top physical condition. Alternate aerobic workouts with weight and strength training. Take dance classes and gymnastics, or a combination of the two created especially for cheerleaders.
2. Commit 100 percent to cheerleading tryouts. Understand the nature of the commitment and the time involved. Plan ahead by working on the standard routines that are likely to be required.
3. Maintain a positive attitude and let it show. Smile and be cheerful. Be consistently upbeat about all requests to perform. Be supportive and cheer for others.
4. Keep a good perspective on the tryouts. Understand the importance, but realize that there are other things in life in order to maintain an even emotional state throughout the tryout. Self-talk before the tryouts to assure a healthy state of mind.
5. Attend cheerleading clinics and workshops. Seek the advice of cheerleading coaches and senior members who are generous with tips and idea.
6. Show up a little early on the day of tryouts. Spend the extra time settling in and warming up properly. Practice the planned routine to get loose.
7. Give the best possible performance for the judges. Move quickly through any mis-steps and keep going with the routine. Smile and maintain eye contact with the judges.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't make the squad, try again the following year. Make adjustments and attend special cheerleadering camps or speak with coach about recommendations.