“8 things coaches look for at tryouts!”

Let's start at the basics. Here are the different areas that they will be focusing on:

1. Appearance
2. School Spirit
3. Cheer (motions and execution)
4. Sideline (motions and execution)
5. Dance (motions and execution)
6. Tumbling (Standing and running pass)
7. Stunts
8. Jumps (1 will probably be a toe touch)
go to http://cheerwiz.com/cheerpri.htm to view a sample judging sheet

Appearance - The Appearance score reflects you overall appearance before, during, and after tryouts. There are so many little things that need to be fine tuned. Some are common sense and are easy to point out, but for some reason so many girls are oblivious to them. Take some time out in preparation for you tryouts to think about working smiling, facials, your attire (school colors and bow), and show confidence,

School Spirit (Enthusiasm) - Your enthusiasm score may be a small score, but every point counts. This score is generated by your overall attitude during tryouts. Just be happy and excited to be there. This is not the time to be shy. Give it all that you have and be a cheerleader, because there are no good shy cheerleaders.

Cheer/Sideline/Dance - Just make sure you pay attention to your motions by practicing them in the mirror. Practice every cheer/sideline/dance over and over again until your know every single piece of it. Then add your smile and voice to add just a bit more than everyone else.

Tumbling -This is the most difficult score. Most cheerleaders do not event try it during their tryouts. I don't care if you do a forward roll, at least you might get a point or 2. You could get into tumbling classes if you want more experience and safety in spotting. NOTE: You need to practice these skills prior to tryouts.

Stunts - Your stunting score is crucial as you go on to college. Even at the high school level it can be very competitive if you squad competes. Practice safely remembering to have enough qualified spotters and never attempt a stunt at tryouts that you have never done before. Just be confident and don't bale out of stunts (for fliers) and don't give up (if you’re a base). Bases may want to do some weight training on their biceps (bicep curls), legs (lunges), shoulders (shoulder press), and abs (sit-ups) to prepare for tryouts. Go to http://cheerwiz.com/cheerexc.htm for more exercise pointers.

Jumps - Start by stretching. Try to get that straddle stretch down every day to prepare you for your toe touch. Practice them in a mirror or out side. Get someone to hold your waist so that you can practice them as well. Remember to point your toes and keep your legs straight.

-CheerWiz