So You Want to be a Cheerleader and Other Tryout Tips

After anxiously dreaming, planning and waiting yourand shouldn't be doing.
chance is finally here. Word has spread about the- I Can't Hear You: Make sure that when your
upcoming cheerleading tryouts and you're alreadypracticing those awesome moves that you're also
camped out in the gym waiting. Many girls dream ofpaying plenty of attention to what you're saying, or
the day they can strut their stuff under the stadiumin this case, yelling. You need to be loud enough to
lights in front of a roaring crowd.get everyone in the crowd involved in cheering your
It's only a matter of time before you're decked outteam on. Not only is the volume of your voice
in glitter and face paint, cheering on the boys as theyimportant, but how clear you yell is also important.
near victory. To be sure your dreams don't hit a roadThose judging the tryouts want to be sure that
block; it's probably a good idea to be as prepared aseveryone in the crowd hears and understands what
you possibly could be. All the dreaming and planningyou're saying, so open your mouth and lungs up and
mean nothing unless you put some good old fashioncheer away.
work into your grand plan. Here are some great tips- Look like a Cheerleader: If you want to be a
to get you into that uniform!cheerleader, it's important to look the part. Here are
- Shape it up: As with any sport it's definitely in yourjust a few things you should be pay attention to
best interest to be physically fit. Not only will you feelbefore the big day:
better and have a safer experience, but you'll also- Make sure your nails are clean, trimmed, and if so
look great in that skirt. Start off with some simpledesired painted.
stretching exercise to warm up your muscles, and- Keep your hair clean, and make sure it's styled in a
then take a nice steady jog around the track to getway that will keep it out of your face and intact
your heart pumping. Once you're warmed-up followwhile your jumping around and doing stunts.
with some muscle building exercises like squats, pull- It's probably a good idea to wear make-up, but
ups, and leg lifts. As always, it's also important tokeep it simple; you're trying out for a position as a
follow a healthy diet.cheerleader, not a mascot.
- Get a Clue: You would never walk into a ScienceBe a Cheerleader: You've been waiting for this day,
test without going to class, taking notes, andso act like it! The judges who hold your fate in their
studying before hand, so why would you walk intohands want to know that their giving the opportunity
cheerleading tryouts without doing your homework?to the right girl. Just because you look great, sound
By this point in the game you probably have a cheerterrific, and have all the moves memorized doesn't
or two in your head so practice them in front of themean you're automatically on the squad. There are
mirror. To make sure you're getting it right sit on thetons of girls who will be trying out next to you. Show
sidelines during one of the cheer practices and watchthem how much you want it. Smile, be enthusiastic,
what the other girls do. Even better, talk to thebe yourself, and most importantly have fun doing it!
coach and your soon to be cheer-mates to see ifKeep those tips in mind and you'll be wearing that
they can give you some pointers on what you shoulduniform in no time. See you on the field!