Cheerleading is a sport that requires a lot of work and commitment. Some cheerleaders begin brushing up their strength, flexibility and nailing down routines months in advance of a tryout. Even if you aren’t serious about competing, preparing your body in advance will make you more confident and less likely to miss cues during the tryout. Stretch regularly, eat healthily and stay hydrated. You can also get the word out about your tryouts by distributing a simple, informative flyer. Post it at your studio, partner intramural sports leagues, local schools and around town.
Generally, coaches expect girls to learn two cheers and a group chant for the first day of tryouts. A coach may also decide to add one more cheer or chant on day three but this is up to the individual team. It is important that the coaches make their expectations clear on the day of the tryouts.
Some colleges hold clinics in the fall or spring for juniors and seniors to teach them about their specific tryout process. This helps the girls know what to expect and allows them to get on a college coach’s radar before the official tryout.
Traditionally, cheerleading was perceived as a popularity contest, but the sport has become much more competitive and coaches are looking for more than just smiles and pretty faces. If your child is interested in trying out for a college cheer program, they should contact the coach and attend any available recruiting clinics.