How to Get Ready for Cheerleading Tryouts

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Last Updated: November 25, 2024

Are you counting down the days until cheerleading tryouts? Thinking about the big day can be pretty nerve-wracking, but you have nothing to worry about—we've got you covered with plenty of advice on how to put your best foot forward when you take center stage on tryout day.

1

Practice every day.

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If you don't practice, then you won't make the team.

2

Memorize the dance and cheer.

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3

Take time to stretch.

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The key to that is to stretch and boost your flexibility.

4

Work out at least every other day.

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5

Talk yourself into realistic success.

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But if you feel nervous, say to yourself: "Hey, if I make it - wonderful! But if I don't make it, then that is OK because I can just try harder next year and I will already have experience."

6

Nail your tumbling.

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7

Steel yourself mentally.

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Psych yourself up with positive thoughts, positive self-talk and have a confident air. Don't start creating negative thoughts, focus on the good ones.

8

Eat very healthy foods.

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Don't stop there, though—be sure to eat healthily after tryouts as well.

9

Give yourself a self-confidence boost.

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Reassure yourself that you are going to do your best and show your best. You have to be confident.

10

Bring your check-up form with you.

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11

Smile, be friendly, and try your hardest.

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Not all of the people who make the squad are the best cheerleaders in the world. The judges and coaches also choose their cheerleaders based on whether or not they have potential. If you smile, show confidence, be as friendly as possible, and show the judges that you are trying you hardest, they will see that you really care about making the team.

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Question

What if the child isn't flexible? She keeps stretching, but it isn't working, and she still wants to be a cheerleader.

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Flexibility doesn't come easy for everyone. Consider getting her private lessons. It may not make too much of a difference, because if she stretches every day, the flexibility will come.

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Do the judges look at your body type at tryouts?

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To some extent, especially if they are considering you to be a flyer, but people of all body types should feel welcome to try out for cheerleading.

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Will I stay fit if I get ready for cheerleading tryouts?

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Yes! Always remember to stretch and work hard! It's also good if you healthy.

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Tips

Make sure to hit your motions! You don't want to look like a loose mess. If you squeeze your fists then your motions will be tighter.

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Give it your all.

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Stretch before you go. If time is given to stretch, stretch twice. This makes you feel looser and more confident!

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you don't make the team, be friendly to the people who did. Chances are you can try out again next year and if you have friends on the team that can influence their decision.
Ask a more experienced cheerleader to help you with what you need to know. They can also tell you about what to expect at cheer tryouts.

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Warnings

Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

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If you do make the squad, do not be mean to the other people who did not. This will be bad for your reputation if you are mean to the others and eventually will come back on you in a bad way. Cheerleading is like anything else in life; you get back what you put in, so put in good things only.

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Don't do anything that can hurt you in any way, shape, or form by pushing your limits. Take care of your body and know your limitations.

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Don't be upset if you don't make the team. There is always next year to try again.

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