AES Cougar Cheerleading
Cheerleading 101: the Basics
Coaching Dance Exercises Jumps Motions Stunting Tryouts Tumbling
So you want to be a cheerleader? Here's a beginner's guide!
Cheerleading should be about having a positive and supportive attitude, school spirit and enthusiasm. No question about that. But there is also a tremendous physical aspect to it. The pages listed above will give you the low-down nitty gritty on the most essential elements that every cheerleader from beginner ankle biters on up to adults should master.
Trying out soon?
As far as requirements go, if it is a very athletic and competitive squad you will want to start exercising for strength, flexibility, and endurance. You will probably need to take a tumbling class, and also want to start working on motions and jumps as well. Don't ignore the academic side of things, though, if this is a school team. Make sure your grades are good enough to be allowed to try out.- When tryouts come you should wear school or gym colors, comfortable
sneakers with white socks, very natural
looking make up and have all your signed waivers and permission forms in
your hand.
- Be prepared with your best jumps
and tumbling passes, and your own
cheer and
dance counts if they are
required.
- Smile, smile, smile!
- Keep your motions tight.
- Be enthusiastic about trying new things. "Can't" is not in your
vocabulary, but "I'll try" is.
- If you don't understand something, ask!
- If you make a mistake, pick up the next move and keep going!
- Make eye contact with the judges.
- Remember, coaches aren't just watching you for your current skills, they are also looking to see if you have the potential to grow. And they are keeping an eye out for how well you work with others, too.
No coach wants a diva, crybaby, whiner, or Miss Bossy joining the squad
and ruining all the fun for everyone. You might have great skills but if
you have a lousy attitude it will definitely count against you!
- Some schools will ask you to answer interview or essay questions.
Some examples of those are:
- What is the role of a good cheerleader?
- Cheerleaders are school ambassadors to the community. They also boost
school and team spirit. Which one do you think is most important?
- As a cheerleader, you should be proud of your school and community and
ready to bring them together through volunteer work and other acts of
goodwill. What community volunteer work would you suggest the
cheerleaders do this year?
- Do you have any thoughts on pep rally themes and activities to use
during the next season?
- What other spirit-boosting ideas do you have?
- If you were asked to try something new but weren't sure if you could do
it, what would you do?
- What are your strengths as a cheerleader? (Tumbling, stunting, dancing,
jumping, crowd leading, dedication, positive attitude, kindness, work
well under pressure)
- What skills do you most hope to improve this year? (Tumbling, stunting,
dancing, jumping, crowd leading)
- Here are some more tips and pointers for the big day!