If you did not make the cheerleading squad, it is rarely down to one thing. Coaches weigh tumbling, jumps, motions, voice, stunting ability and attitude against a limited number of spots and the specific needs of the team that year. The most useful next steps are to let yourself feel the disappointment, ask the coach politely for specific feedback, and turn that feedback into a training plan for next season. Many cheerleaders who miss a squad once go on to make it later.
How cheer tryouts are usually judged
Every program runs tryouts differently, but most use a scoring sheet with several categories. Judges might be the coach, assistant coaches or outside judges brought in for fairness. Understanding the categories helps you see where you may have lost points.
| Category | What judges look for |
|---|---|
| Tumbling | Skills at or above the squad’s level, performed cleanly and safely |
| Jumps | Height, flexibility, sharp arm positions and pointed toes |
| Motions | Tight, precise arm placements and strong timing |
| Cheer and voice | Projection, clear words and confident delivery |
| Dance | Memory, energy, sharpness and staying on count |
| Stunting | Ability to fly, base or spot safely and follow instruction |
| Showmanship | Facial expressions, energy and crowd appeal |
| Attitude and coachability | Respect, focus and response to corrections during clinics |
Some programs also consider grades, attendance, conduct or previous experience. Ask your coach or check the tryout packet so you know exactly what is being scored.
Common reasons cheerleaders are not selected
| Reason | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Tumbling below the squad’s level | Take tumbling classes and train progressions safely with a qualified coach |
| Jumps lacking height or flexibility | Stretch daily and do jump drills and leg strength work |
| Motions not sharp enough | Practice in a mirror and film yourself to check placements |
| Weak voice or projection | Practice cheers loudly from the diaphragm, not the throat |
| Stunt roles already filled | Learn both flying and basing so you are more versatile |
| Nerves on tryout day | Rehearse the routine in front of friends or family |
| Limited spots | Keep improving, since squad needs change every year |
Sometimes the honest answer is that you performed well, but the squad simply had fewer openings or needed a specific role, such as a base, that did not match your skills. That is frustrating, but it is not a verdict on your potential.
How to handle the disappointment
It is normal to feel upset, embarrassed or even angry after not making a team. Give yourself a little time before making decisions or talking to the coach. Talk to a friend, parent or someone you trust. Avoid comparing yourself on social media to athletes who made it, and avoid criticizing the coach or new squad members publicly, since that can follow you into future tryouts.
Remember that the decision is about one tryout and one season. Many athletes use a missed spot as motivation to come back stronger.
How to ask the coach for feedback
Asking for feedback is one of the best moves you can make, and most coaches respect athletes who do it calmly. A few tips:
- Wait a day or two until emotions have settled.
- Ask by email or in person at an appropriate time, not right after results are posted.
- Keep it simple: thank them for the opportunity and ask which areas you should focus on to improve.
- Listen without arguing, and take notes.
- Ask whether there are other ways to be involved, such as helping at events or joining a junior varsity or practice squad if one exists.
Not every coach can share scoresheets, and some programs have policies about feedback. If the answer is brief, use it as a starting point and look for extra input from a tumbling or all star coach.
Your plan for next season step by step
- List your weakest areas. Use coach feedback and your own honest assessment.
- Set specific goals. For example, land a standing back handspring safely, or add height to your toe touch.
- Get structured training. Join a tumbling class, clinic or all star gym to work with qualified coaches.
- Build strength and flexibility. Add regular conditioning and stretching to support jumps, tumbling and stunts.
- Practice performance skills. Work on motions, voice and facials in front of a mirror or camera.
- Stay involved. Attend games, clinics and camps, and keep a good relationship with the program.
- Rehearse tryouts. Before next season, practice the full tryout format under pressure.
A sample off season training week
Consistency matters more than intensity. A balanced week might look like this, adjusted to your schedule and any coaching you already receive:
- Two tumbling sessions at a gym with qualified coaches, working on the next safe progression.
- Three short jump sessions of about 15 minutes, drilling approaches, height and landings.
- Daily stretching for hamstrings, hip flexors and straddle flexibility, done after warming up.
- Two strength sessions with squats, lunges, core work and push-ups to support jumps and stunts.
- Two performance sessions practicing motions, cheers and dances in front of a mirror or camera.
- At least one full rest day to recover and reduce injury risk.
Track your progress in a simple notebook or phone note. Seeing your toe touch get higher or a new skill become consistent is motivating, and it gives you concrete evidence to share with a coach.
Preparing mentally for next tryouts
Confidence at tryouts comes from preparation. The more times you rehearse the routine under realistic conditions, the less nerves will affect you. Practice smiling and projecting even when you make a mistake, because judges notice how you recover. On the day, focus on what you can control: your warm-up, your effort, your attitude and how you respond to coaching during clinics. Getting good sleep and eating well in the days before tryouts helps, too.
Other ways to stay in the sport
Missing a school squad does not have to end your cheer journey. All star cheer gyms offer teams at many levels and often welcome athletes still developing their skills. Recreational or community cheer programs can be a good fit, too. Some athletes help as team managers, join spirit clubs, or try related activities such as dance or gymnastics that build transferable skills.
Common mistakes after not making the squad
- Quitting immediately without asking for feedback.
- Blaming the coach, judges or other athletes publicly.
- Trying to learn advanced tumbling alone without proper coaching or spotting.
- Training only one area and ignoring the rest of the scoresheet.
- Waiting until right before next tryouts to start preparing.
Health note
Health note: when training for next season, build tumbling and flexibility gradually under qualified coaches, since pushing too hard or practicing skills without spotting can lead to injury. If disappointment turns into ongoing low mood, anxiety or loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, talk to a parent, school counselor or health professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try out again next year?
In most programs, yes. Many athletes make the squad on a second or third attempt after focused training, so check your school’s tryout schedule and requirements early.
Is it okay to ask the coach why I did not make it?
Yes, as long as you ask politely and at an appropriate time. Frame it as wanting to improve, and accept the feedback without arguing.
What skill matters most at cheer tryouts?
It depends on the squad. Tumbling and jumps often carry a lot of weight, but attitude, coachability and sharp motions matter in almost every program.
