Q&A for How to Get Ready for Cheerleading Tryouts

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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.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do the judges look at your body type at tryouts?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Will I stay fit if I get ready for cheerleading tryouts?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Always remember to stretch and work hard! It's also good if you healthy.
  • Question
    What types of jumps are required for cheer?
    Community Answer
    You will most likely need a toe-touch, a herkie, a hurdler, and a pike. Those are the jumps cheerleaders usually add into routines.
  • Question
    How can I become more confident in doing my round off back handspring?
    Community Answer
    Practice it as much as possible beforehand, as that will build confidence. Stretch and prep before doing it, and keep a positive attitude that you'll succeed.
  • Question
    If I already dance, will I make the team?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. You need to have the cheers, dances, jumps, and chants down perfectly. Being a dancer helps, but it doesn't give you an automatic spot.
  • Question
    What if you don't know how to tumble, but you know how to do the basic stuff? Will you be able to get on the cheer team?
    Community Answer
    Most schools don't require tumblers.
  • Question
    Do I need to be able to do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on how strict your tryout is.
  • Question
    What if I hurt myself at the cheer tryouts but still did really well? Would I make the cheer team?
    Community Answer
    It's impossible for someone online to determine this. It depends on the person who judged the auditions.
  • Question
    How would I do a back handspring?
    Community Answer
    You have to be able to do a back walkover first. You have to practice swinging your arms back, and increase shoulder strength because you will be landing on your shoulders.
  • Question
    Can I do cheerleading even though I'm fat?
    Community Answer
    Some schools focus on looks when forming a cheerleading team, but others focus on skill and talent. If yours is looking for talented cheerleaders and you fit that description, you should have no problem getting on the team regardless of your size.
  • Question
    Can I make the team even if i have no experience with cheer or dance?
    Community Answer
    Practice a little bit before tryouts and look at some YouTube videos to see what might be expected. It really depends on how competitive cheer is at your school.
  • Question
    Can I make the cheer team even if I'm not flexible?
    Community Answer
    It depends on whether it's sideline cheer or competitive cheer. I'm sure if you put in some practice you will do great.
  • Question
    My tryouts are in five days and I need to know what to do and not to do. I really want to make the team. What should I be able to do before the tryout?
    Community Answer
    Just make sure your jumps are good and you learned all the material required. If you smile a lot and show some school spirit, that should help.
  • Question
    What are some good ways to prepare mentally for tryouts?
    Community Answer
    Take deep breaths in and out. You have to believe in yourself; when you do, you feel confident and give a better performance than when you lack the confidence needed. Do not think negatively, that you won't do well or make the tryout. Know that everyone feels nervous before tryouts. Lastly, you have to let go of your fears.
  • Question
    Can you be in cheerleading if you have a broken arm?
    Community Answer
    Check with your doctor, who may tell you to rest it and delay your cheerleading career. The team should understand and support you.
  • Question
    What if I don't make the team?
    Community Answer
    Then you can find another team to tryout for, and if you don't make it ask to be on a waiting list as lots of cheerleading teams often have to replace a person if they get injured.
  • Question
    What if I can't do the jumps?
    Community Answer
    Practice stretching like the splits and straddles. It helps because flexibility is important in sports like cheerleading and gymnastics.
  • Question
    Can I make the team if I haven't practiced or prepared, because my school didn't give us anything to prepare with?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your personality and ability, and what the coach or coaches think of you.
  • Question
    What if your tryout is tomorrow?
    Community Answer
    Go over your routine/moves. Get a good night's sleep and focus on being confident and doing your best.
  • Question
    I am a beginner and have no experience cheering, but I'm good and confident. Could I make the team?
    Community Answer
    As long as you have a genuine love for the sport and a willingness to learn, you have a good chance at making the team. Be confident and follow the tips in the article.
  • Question
    Do I need to know how to do a round-off when doing cheerleading?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the team. Since it is a basic skill needed for more difficult skills, it is helpful to know it for school cheer and competitive cheer. Ask the coaches what tumbling skills are required.
  • Question
    Why can't cheerleaders dye their hair an "unnatural" color?
    Community Answer
    This is because the color might interfere with the team uniform or the theme of the routine.
  • Question
    If I don't know how to tumble or do a cartwheel do I still have a chance of making it on the team.
    Olivia Athens
    Community Answer
    Speak with the cheerleading coach before tryouts. This may not be a complete dealbreaker, bases and spotters don't necessarily know how to tumble. Just remember to go to tryouts with an optimistic attitude and a willingness to learn.
  • Question
    What kind if things like handstands do you need for tryouts?
    Elyse Ozomah
    Community Answer
    You will need your jumps. These include herkies, hurdles, pikes, and, the most common one, toe touches! Handstands aren't really used for tryouts. You will need to be able to do cartwheel and a roundoff. It will also help to have at least 2 types of splits.
  • Question
    How can I be less nervous about my stunt at tryouts as a frequent flyer?
    Gymnast5678...
    Community Answer
    If you go to a open gymnastics gym, there is something called a pit that you can randomly jump into if you would like. Try going to a open gym, and just falling forwards, backwards, or flipping from a high surface into the pit. That’s how to get over a fear of falling and messing up.
  • Question
    Do we have to do flips just to get in cheer?
    Gymnast5678...
    Community Answer
    It depends on who your coach is.You should ask them. Before trying out for the cheer squad, it’s best to ask as much as you need, so you can be prepared!
  • Question
    What happens at the tryout?
    Gymnast5678...
    Community Answer
    At the tryout you will probably warm up, stretch then go into tumbling, jumps or stunts. However, all schools are different, so you might all stretch together, or individually, depending on your coach. If you have an opinion whether or not you would like to stretch individually, do some stretching before you get there so you can be properly stretched, and can use stretching time to show off your splits, backbend, or anything else you think is necessary. But do not come off as rude or showing off because then the coach may not pick you. Remember that not only are they choosing you as a cheerleader, but also a teammate, a friend.
  • Question
    What are the ideal clothes to wear to cheer tryouts?
    Tanyeah Barnes
    Community Answer
    The appropriate attire to wear for cheer tryouts is a t-shirt and shorts, preferably in school colors. You could wear a bow with your hair pulled up in a neat ponytail.
  • Question
    When you say to stay healthy, does that mean sometimes you can have dessert?
    River Hyte
    Community Answer
    Most schools don't have a diet plan for their cheerleaders. It is OK to have ice cream and chips sometimes, but for the most part try to eat healthy.
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