Try-outs may be coming up, and you may be getting nervous. This page is designed to help you with some of your fears. These tips are based on experience and opinions. You must remember that all squads are different. Some look for certain aspects, while others look for something completely different. Be sure to talk with your squad's coaches, so you know exactly what they are looking for! Read below for more information on trying out.
Before Try-Outs
1) Talk to the coach. The coach is the person who knows what he/she wants for the squad. Until you talk to the coach, you will not know exactly how to perform, or what to work on.
2) Prepare in advance. Do not wait until the week before try-outs to get ready. Getting in shape for cheerleading can take quite a while. Find out the requirements far enough in advance to prepare.
3) Talk to other cheerleaders. Most of the time you will find that others are just as nervous as you. Try to find a friend to work with. This will help keep both of you motivated. Plus, you will have someone you already know at try-outs! This will help calm your nerves even more.
Practice Week
1) Many squads have practices before actual try-outs. This allows the coach to teach everyone certain skills needed for try-outs. This is also time for the coach to evaluate how well you work with others. This is the time to make friends, while working hard. Be sure not to seclude yourself from the rest of the team. Sure, you may be competing against them soon, but they may also be your squad mates.
2) Be confident in yourself. You may not think you are the best cheerleader on the court, but that is not all that counts. Sportsmanship, and a great attitude go further than may think.
3) Be open to trying new things. You may have only flown during you cheerleading career, but the coach may think you have potential to be a great base. Do not take this as an insult. Most coaches want to make good all-around cheerleaders. The most versatile cheerleaders can fly and base.
The Day of Try-Outs
1) Be sure to get a good night sleep. You want to have all the energy possible for the judges.
2) Wear your hair in a neat fashion. It does not have to be fancy, just up off your face ( ex. pony tail ).
3) Wear clothes that fit. Over sized shirts make it hard to see motions. This can really hurt you, for normally they look worse over better. Make sure you are comfortable in what you wear. Nothing is worse then watching someone tug at clothing in the middle of a cheer.
4) If you have time after school, (before tryouts) take a hot bath. This will help calm your nerves. It this is not possible, don't worry. There are other ways to calm down.
