The Top Ten Tryout Tips

Tryouts are usually the main way to determine who becomes a cheerleader and who does not. I have been both a coach and a judge in various situations. I have come up with the following tips that potential cheerleaders should follow. If you still have additional questions, e-mail me and Good Luck!

Do the best you can. In other words, never give up.

Smile!

Practice and learn the material well.

A major part of the tryout is the components, make sure you know the requirements. Also, make sure that you fulfill all tryout requirements. For example, if a backhandspring is required, do one.

Make eye contact with the judges. It makes a big difference.

Be prepared. If a judge asks you to repeat cheer, jump, etc.,don't panic. Don't worry if a judge asks you to turn to the side. Often with herkie jumps and front hurdler jumps the judges like to see them from a side view.

Keep your appearance neat and clean. Hair should be out of your face and securely held back. Also, you should wear bright colors, school colors are also show school spirit. It will help the judges to remember you, but don't overdo it. You shouldn't wear much makeup. Go for the natural look. Cheering is a sport, not a beauty contest.

Make sure that your motions are neat, clean, and as tight as possible.

Point your toes in all jumps no matter how high they are. Secondly, in the toe touch jump, DO NOT reach for your toes!

Yell loudly and try to project your voice. Show as much spirit as you can.