How to Help a Child Through Cheerleading Tryouts

You child has come home from school extremely excited. She has announced that she wishes to try out for cheerleading. You are apprehensive and excited at the same time. You want to know how to help your child through cheerleading tryouts but you are not sure how to go about it. You can learn the ropes, just follow the steps below.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find out the exact requirements to be a cheerleader. Some schools require specific gymnastics skills, such as back tucks or back handsprings. Other requirements may include a cut-off GPA, attendance record or teacher recommendations.

    • 2

      Enroll your child in the appropriate training classes long before she tries out to be a cheerleader. Special gymnastics classes just for cheerleaders, ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop dance classes may help your child make the squad.

    • 3

      Make friends with an experienced cheerleader parent. A neighbor or fellow church member who has a child on the squad can provide you with invaluable advice regarding what to expect, what the coaches like and dislike, etc.

    • 4

      Understand how judges will rate your child during the tryouts and help her hone those skills. Most cheerleading tryouts focus on gymnastics, jumps, vocal tone and quality, dance ability and sharpness of motion. Work with your child on crisp and clean movements, on projecting her voice, on pointing her toes during her jumps and keeping a smile on her face.

    • 5

      Be realistic. By the time a child reaches high school, chances are that she may not make the squad without some prior training. Most high school cheerleaders have had years of elementary and middle school squad experience in addition to dance and gymnastics lessons.

    • 6

      Act supportive without being pushy. Talk to your child about the tryouts; offer gentle encouragement and advice when asked; and know when to back off. Make sure your child knows you love her no matter what happens with cheerleading tryouts.

    • 7

      Redirect her ambitions toward another sport or activity should she not make the squad. Encourage this goal if she really wants to improve herself and try again next year, but only if it is her goal-not yours. Otherwise, help her find alternative activities that are similar to cheerleading such as drama club, color guard, dance team, JROTC or pep club.