Cheerleading?

Question

Try outs are next Monday I want to become a cheerleader so badly, does anybody have any tips on how I can make it?

Answer 1

With try-outs fast approaching, many cheerleaders find themselves overcome with a mixture of emotions, ranging from anxiety to excitement. Next to actual competition, try-outs can be one of the most nerve-racking times in a cheerleader’s life. So how do you deal with the stress and have the perfect try-out?

Getting ready

First, make sure that you are prepared for whatever all-star, recreational, or school squad you are trying out for. It’s very important to have all the skills that are required for your squad before the try-out date arrives.

For example, if the squad you are trying out for requires a back handspring, make sure that you arrive on the first day of try-outs with that skill well in hand. Also, you want to make sure that all of your paperwork is completed on time. Try-outs are stressful enough without having to deal with paperwork problems.

Importance of a clinic

The clinic before a try-out can range anywhere from a few hours to a week long. During this clinic, you will be taught the material that you are expected to perform at try-outs. In some cases, you may be asked to create your own routine. There will usually be no clinic for these types of try-outs.

However, if you are required to attend a clinic, then you need to be well prepared for it. It’s very important to make a good first impression. On day one of the try-out clinic, walk in with a positive attitude, hold your head high, and show no fear. It is often a good idea to bring a video recorder to the clinic. That way you can record your instructors performing the try-out cheer, chant, and dance, and practice them at home. Another good idea is to bring in a blank tape and record a copy of the dance music, so that you can go over the moves at home.

The big day

The day of try-outs can either be a very stressful or enjoyable experience. If you have practiced the material and you are well- prepared, then you should have no trouble at all. However, the way you present yourself could also have an effect on your score.

Make sure you arrive in comfortable but conservative clothing. Also, if it’s allowed, wear your team or school colors. When it is your turn to perform for the judges, make sure to smile and complete your routines and skills to the best of your ability! Remember that mistakes are common and no one is perfect. So no matter what happens, recover from your mistake and finish the try-out with a smile! Good luck to everyone in this upcoming try-out season!

ANOTHER COLUMN:

Preparation:
Practice, practice, practice! Once you are taught the tryout materials, review them over and over again. The more comfortable you are with the routines, the more relaxed you will be in the tryout itself. A great idea is practice the routine in front of friends and family to get used to doing it in front of people. This will help tremendously in making a cheerleading squad.

Appearance:
Dress conservatively. The judges are looking for neatness. Wear something very comfortable and appropriate for cheering. Keep your hair combed and neat, and wear as little makeup as necessary. If your school allows it, wear your school colors!

Routine:
The judges are looking for sharp, well-placed motions, loud voices, enthusiasm, and routine knowledge. The sharper the motions, the better score you will receive. Make sure your motions are properly placed, not too far in front or in back of you, and not too loose. The judges want to hear loud, sharp voices, but do not scream!

Showmanship:
This part of the tryout is most important! It is even more important than the actual routines you perform. The judges want to see confidence, smiles, and crowd appeal. Come into the tryout with the assurance that you deserve to be on the squad. You should give each judge eye contact
throughout the entire tryout. Smile! From the beginning to the end, you should smile and look as though you are having a great time. Finally, the judges are looking for someone who will appeal to the crowd. A lot of enthusiasm and "peppiness" is great!

Specialties:
Most tryouts allow you to perform any specialties you can do, for instance, jumps, kicks, gymnastics. Any specialty you can perform well is an advantage, but remember, you do not want to show off something that is not great. So, if you are not super in a specialty, it is better to stick to the routine.

Extra Tips:
If you make a mistake in the tryouts do not get upset. On every judging sheet there is a section called recovery. In the situation that a person makes a mistake, they see how well he/she keeps going. Many
people every year make mistakes in tryouts and still make the squad. The reason for this is that they recovered well, that is they kept going with smiles and enthusiasm as though nothing happened.

Answer 2

- have a good attitude (smile a lot, be friendly)

- try to make friends with current cheerleaders (to help get ideas on what to expect at try outs)

- tone up as much as you can (crunches, squats, lunges, pilates/yoga)

- work on your gymnastics, not having a back handspring or tuck might not keep you off the team, but having either stunt might get you on. It can't hurt.

Answer 3

SMILE SMILE SMILE!!!!!

Show them how badly you want to be a cheerleader. Practice your move until theyre perfect, cheerleading is pretty stiff so make sure your moves are clean not sloppy. And give it your all, dont show that your nervous. Yell loud and dont ever stop smiling! Good Luckk you'll do greatt!!

Answer 4

I was a cheerleader so I can help you out. Smile,be confident, be yourself, have lots of spirit, and most of all HAVE FUN. Relax, everything is going to work out great! :-)

Oh yeah, practice in the mirror....that helps alot.

Answer 5

if you have a friend trying out try to get together and practice the dance or combination they give you. second, this is the most importan thing ummm EVER. you have to be loud and jumpy and smiley. even if you dont know it perfect if you smile and look like your having fun im pretty sure youd get picked. and dont ever look bored. trust me just be happy and jumpy and smiley. always smile. and be confidant. cause thats what theyre looking for.

Answer 6

I am a pro on this topic! Well heres my tips. I hope they help!
1. Always be preppy and nice never mean!
2. Try your best if you don't make it oh well!
3. practice before you do it.
4. HAVE FUN!!! OOh and be SHARP!!!

Answer 7

You are going to need confidence, and be extra cheery. Practice makes perfect.
Also show your pretty smile. Make sure people can see how much you want to be a cheerleader.
Do your best and good luck!

Answer 8

I would say just pay attention to the routine they teach you and keep smiling! Show them how you can lead a crowd! Also if you mess up just roll with it, it happens to EVERYONE!!

NEVER STOP SMILING! LOL

Answer 9

You should try to perfect your herky (sp check), your round off, and cartwheel if you do that you will make it 4 sure!

Answer 10

well when i went out for it i had stiff motions and tried not to sing the words oh and be loud