To ace cheerleading tryouts, start preparing several weeks ahead, focus on the skills judges actually score, and practice the full tryout format with energy until it feels automatic. Most tryouts test sharp motions, jumps, tumbling, a cheer or chant, a short dance or routine taught during clinics, and your attitude and spirit. Clean, confident execution of the basics often matters more than attempting skills you cannot land consistently. On the day, arrive early, warm up well, smile, stay coachable and keep going even if you make a mistake.
What judges look for
| Skill | What judges want | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Motions | Sharp, tight arms, locked wrists, on counts | Mirror practice and filming yourself |
| Jumps | Height, straight legs, pointed toes, clean landings | Daily jump drills plus flexibility and strength work |
| Tumbling | Safe, controlled skills at your level | Tumbling classes with qualified coaches |
| Cheer and voice | Loud, clear projection from the diaphragm | Practice cheers at full volume |
| Dance or routine | Memory, energy, timing and sharpness | Review clinic material every night |
| Spirit and attitude | Smile, confidence and energy from start to finish | Practice performing, not just doing, the skills |
| Stunting potential | Strength, flexibility, balance and coachability | Conditioning and following instructions carefully |
Score sheets differ by program. Some weigh tumbling heavily, while others focus more on motions, jumps and spirit. If your school publishes a tryout packet or score sheet, study it closely and spend most of your preparation time on the categories that carry the most points.
A six week tryout prep plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Learn the tryout requirements, assess your skills and start daily stretching |
| Week 2 | Motion drills, jump technique and leg strength |
| Week 3 | Tumbling practice with a coach, core work and jump combinations |
| Week 4 | Practice cheers with full voice and facial expressions |
| Week 5 | Full run-throughs of the tryout format in front of family or friends |
| Week 6 | Polish details, reduce training volume slightly and rest before tryouts |
How to prepare step by step
- Get the details. Find out the dates, clinic schedule, required skills, forms, physicals and what to wear.
- Assess yourself honestly. Film your motions, jumps and tumbling, and note strengths and weaknesses.
- Build a practice routine. Train a little every day rather than cramming the week before.
- Take classes if you can. Tumbling or cheer clinics give you qualified coaching and safe progressions.
- Condition your body. Add strength, flexibility and cardio work to support jumps, tumbling and stunts.
- Practice performing. Rehearse with a smile and eye contact, as if judges were watching.
- Attend every clinic. Coaches often notice who is focused, respectful and quick to take corrections.
- Rest before tryout day. Get good sleep and avoid exhausting workouts the day before.
Nailing each part of the tryout
Motions. Lock your wrists, make tight fists and keep your arms slightly in front of your body. Hit each motion on the count and hold it cleanly. Sharp motions are one of the easiest ways to stand out, even for athletes who are newer to cheer.
Jumps. Use a strong prep, a fast arm whip and a deep knee bend. Lift your legs up to your arms instead of dropping your chest, point your toes and land with feet together. A clean jump with slightly less height usually scores better than a high jump with bent knees.
Tumbling. Only perform skills you can land safely and consistently. A clean standing back handspring is worth more than a shaky tuck that needs a spot. If you are unsure, ask what the program allows at tryouts and always follow safety instructions.
Cheer. Speak loudly and clearly from your diaphragm, match motions to words and keep your facial expressions strong. Judges want to see that you can lead a crowd.
Dance. Memorize the choreography early and practice it full out. Energy, sharpness and staying on count matter more than complicated moves.
What to wear and bring
- Fitted athletic clothes that meet the dress code, often a plain top and shorts.
- Cheer shoes or supportive athletic shoes.
- Hair pulled back securely, often with a bow if allowed.
- No jewelry, including earrings and bracelets.
- A water bottle and a light snack.
- Any required forms, such as a physical or permission form.
Tryout day tips
Arrive early so you have time to check in, find your number and warm up without rushing. Warm up your whole body, including jumps and a few easy tumbling skills if allowed. Stay positive between sections and encourage other candidates, since coaches often notice teamwork. If you make a mistake, keep smiling and continue. Judges watch how you recover, and composure under pressure is exactly what squads need at games and competitions.
Common tryout mistakes
- Starting preparation only a few days before tryouts.
- Attempting tumbling skills you cannot land consistently.
- Forgetting facial expressions and energy.
- Soft motions with bent wrists.
- Missing clinics or arriving late.
- Letting one mistake affect the rest of the tryout.
- Ignoring the dress code or required paperwork.
Handling nerves
Almost everyone feels nervous at tryouts, and a little adrenaline can actually help you perform with more energy. The best way to reduce nerves is preparation: the more times you have run through the full tryout under realistic conditions, the more automatic it will feel. Practice in front of family, friends or a mirror, and simulate being called up in small groups. On the day, slow your breathing before each section by breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, and focus on one simple cue, such as sharp arms or a big smile, rather than the whole routine. Remember that judges want you to succeed.
Showing you are coachable
Many coaches say attitude can be the deciding factor between athletes with similar skills. During clinics, listen closely, make eye contact, apply corrections right away and thank coaches for feedback. Be on time, stay focused during breaks and support other candidates. Coachable athletes improve faster during a season and help build a positive team culture, which makes them valuable additions to any squad.
After tryouts
Whatever the result, handle it with maturity. If you make the team, thank the coaches, complete any paperwork promptly and keep training over the break. If you do not make it this time, allow yourself to be disappointed, then politely ask the coach for feedback and build a plan for next year. Many athletes make a squad on a later attempt after focused training.
Health note
Health note: tryout preparation should build gradually. Warm up before every session, stretch gently, and learn tumbling only under qualified supervision with proper mats and spotting. Eat and drink well in the days before tryouts, get enough sleep, and do not train through sharp or ongoing pain.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a back handspring to make a cheer team?
It depends on the squad. Many competitive teams value a standing or running back handspring, but plenty of school squads also select athletes with strong motions, jumps, voice and attitude.
How can I stand out at cheer tryouts?
Sharp motions, strong facials, a loud voice, clean jumps and a positive, coachable attitude help athletes stand out, even without advanced tumbling.
How long should I prepare for cheer tryouts?
Ideally four to six weeks or more. Daily practice over several weeks leads to much better results than cramming right before tryouts.
