2007-03-16 05:14:35 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Other - Sports
You didn't say what level you are trying out for, middle school, JV or varsity. So, as a current high school cheer coach, I can tell you what we expect from our girls.
First and foremost we stress academics. Being a good cheerleader requires a great deal of practice, and this can sometimes hurt your grade point average. We always stress that you can't go on in life to make a living at cheerleading....you have to have an education to do that. Girls must maintain a 2.5 or better grade point average or risk being dropped from the squad for a season. If the grade point average is not raised, she is dropped for the year.
As for the actual requirements:
Knowledge of routines, cheers and chants: Know them backwards and forwards....well enough to begin them anywhere in the middle of the cheer. I have seen many good candidates dropped due to the inability to start a cheer at any point in the routine. We teach one cheer, one chant and a pretty complex 1 minute dance routine. The girls are given 3 days to learn this with tryouts on day 4.
Tumbling/Gymnastics to include cartwheel, roundoff, and back hand spring. Girls who can do a tuck usually get extra points.
Flexibility and Posture: Be able to do splits and heal stretch. In a Liberty or heal stretch position, hold your balance for 20 seconds. Extra points are given for girls who can do arabesques or scorpions.
Judges always look for personality and smiles as well as how well the contender keeps their movements sharp and in proper form! No sloppy arms, wrists etc. You can lose lots of points in this area.
The girls must do 3 jumps: herkie, toe touch, 1 other. You can work on these first on the floor....stretching yourself just a little bit more everyday until you have proper form. Then work on taking it to the air. When you have your prep and jump perfected, put 1 pound weights on each ankle and jump with them on from that point on. When it comes time for tryouts, take the weights off...you'll jump higher than ever because you have become used to jumping with more weight!
Most of all, the judges are looking for girls who have the ability to work as a team and engage the crowd to cheer on their school! make the judges feel like cheering with you by engaging them every time you get a chance.
On tryout day, eat a good breakfast...with complex carbs. Go to the tryouts with your hair up off of your face and in a ponytail, little or no makeup and no jewelry. Let them know that you are a serious contender and not there for a beauty contest!
For pics, help and cheers that you can learn, go to
cheerleading.about.com
hope that helps! GOOD LUCK!
2007-03-19 01:03:09 · answer #1 · answered by coachls 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, take this from a cheerleader: Make sure your arm motions are stiff and your thumbs are in when you do a high-V or low-V. Smile!!! Even if you mess up smile, because smiling makes you look like you want to be there and you're deticated. Have fun and make sure your voice projects. Like someone else said, you don't have to be a good tumbler, but stretch and eat good before tryouts to have energy and make sure you don't pull muscles. Make sure all jewelry is off also. Well I have more advice so you can just ask, I"m not a coach, but I'm in cheer for 3 different places, so I have some experience.
2007-03-16 13:56:59 · answer #2 · answered by kendraaaaa!(: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the library and rent a few DVDs that teach you step by step cheers, chants, moves, and routines. Also go to neighborhood games and observe the cheerleaders. You could also take a class at a local park or recreation center. Just a few ideas.
2007-03-16 13:25:47 · answer #3 · answered by deej 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did competitive cheerleading in high school and cheered a year in college!! JUST HAVE FUN!! Make sure your motions are REALLY stiff and sharp.. and remember to smile and make sure you have a strong voice....
DOnt concentrate on what other girls are going in their tryouts.... You dont have to tumble, or even do the same jumps they do- Just do what YOU know how to do- and do it well!! WOrk on perfecting YOU!
2007-03-16 12:18:59 · answer #4 · answered by Karah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to www.mspinapple.com, I'm a cheerleading coach and this is where I get most of my information! Good Luck!
2007-03-16 12:28:45 · answer #5 · answered by kca_cheercoach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch cheerleader movies, learn a few moves and get into the groove.also check out youtube movies...etc...learn a few dance moves :)
Good luck & I hope you make the team
2007-03-16 12:17:55 · answer #6 · answered by flaming red 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try out anyway if that is what you want, you can learn.
2007-03-16 12:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by billy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋