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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. If you don't practice, then you won't make the team.
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2

Memorize the dance and cheer .

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3

Take time to stretch .

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  1. The key to that is to stretch and boost your flexibility.
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4

Work out at least every other day.

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5

Talk yourself into realistic success.

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  1. 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."
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6

Nail your tumbling.

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7

Steel yourself mentally.

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  1. 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.
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  1. 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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  1. Reassure yourself that you are going to do your best and show your best. You have to be confident.
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10

Bring your check-up form with you.

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11

Smile, be friendly, and try your hardest.

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  1. 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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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if I fail?
    Guy Reichard
    Executive Life Coach
    Guy Reichard is an Executive Life Coach and the Founder of HeartRich Coaching & Training, a professional life coaching and inner leadership training provider based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He works with people to create more meaning, purpose, well-being, and fulfillment in their lives. Guy has over 10 years of personal growth coaching and resilience training experience, helping clients enhance and transform their inner worlds, so they can be a more positive and powerful influence on those they love and lead. He is an Adler Certified Professional Coach (ACPC), and is accredited by the International Coach Federation. He earned a BA in Psychology from York University in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University in 2000.
    Executive Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    It’s okay to feel disappointed because it shows that you care. But don’t let that moment define you. Think of it as a stepping stone, not a stopping point. Ask yourself: What did I do well and what can I improve? This kind of reflection sets you up for success next time. Focus on what you can control—like improving your skills and preparing better for the next tryouts. Seek feedback from coaches, mentors, or peers who can help you sharpen your game. Remember that our resilience is like a muscle—it grows stronger when you work on it. Whether it’s your mental grit, emotional balance, physical preparation, or even a sense of purpose, identify which areas could use a boost and make a plan to strengthen them.
  • 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.
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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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • Don't be upset if you don't make the team. There is always next year to try again.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Spirit
      • A coach
      • (Optional) Tumbling experience
      • Flexibility
      • Faith

      About This Article

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