Training for Cheerleading Tryouts

By using your energy, voice and athletic ability, as a cheerleader, you will help drive your school's efforts for team spirit. Being a cheerleader will be physically demanding and require your commitment to your cheerleading squad and to your school. Doing your research about what will be expected of you at tryouts will help you know how to physically and mentally prepare.

  1. Research

    • Contact the cheerleading coach or team captain, and ask to meet with squad leaders to understand as much as possible about what will be expected of you at tryouts. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from those who have already made the team since they have all been in your position. Attend meetings geared toward squad hopefuls, and attend practice sessions to see what the current cheerleading squad does.

    Physical Preparation

    • Long before considering tryouts, understand the training rigors involved with cheerleading. Research ways to learn jumps, handsprings, cartwheels and other tumbling activities, as well as ways to improve strength, endurance and flexibility. Practicing gymnastics may be one avenue for you to pursue in order to learn or hone these skills in preparation for cheerleading tryouts. Work on your strength by doing conditioning exercises such as push-ups and crunches to strengthen your core and upper body. If you have access to a gym, work with a personal trainer who can design a program to fit your goals. Incorporate plyometrics to help with your jumps and explosive strength.

    Nutrition

    • Your hard workouts in the gym and on the tumbling mats will require proper nutrition to keep you strong, lean and fit. You don't want to deplete your body of its resources before you make it to the big day, so get plenty of healthy carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and drink plenty of water.

    Rest and Mental Preparation

    • Since you have worked hard for a long time to make it to cheerleading tryouts, you may feel nervous and anxious while putting pressure on yourself to make the squad. Remember that you have worked hard and prepared well and that worrying will be counterproductive and only hurt you. Rest and relax when you aren't training. Look forward to the day as an opportunity to share the success you've already attained in working hard for your goal.

    Voice Training

    • Remember to train your voice, because a large part of cheerleading will include using your voice to project your excitement, engage the crowd and rally the team or promote the event. Learn and practice the team's cheers well in advance. Find a way to work with current cheerleaders on the squad so you can truly project, and work on building your confidence.