Expert: Pamela Enders - 12/9/2009

Question
This upcoming spring I am going to try out for a college cheerleading squad. I used to be a varsity cheerleader in high school. I wanted to know if you have any tips for making the squad? Thank you so much!

Answer
Dear Kelsey,

Thanks for writing!

Good for you for wanting to tryout for a college squad!  

I actually have written a good deal about this topic.  If you go to my blog – http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com  you will find lots of articles on tryouts.  Scroll down on the right for the “tryouts” category and the postings will appear.  The blog also has many articles on managing anxiety and improving focus plus lots more!

For now I would suggest the first thing is to get information from a reliable source, usually the coach or an official representative of the team.  Some schools have this info on their website.  Find out what the specific requirements are for the squad you want to join.  Then do a realistic assessment of your skills.  Do you have the required skills?  If not, do you have time to master those skills for the tryout?  Don’t try to rush it…allow enough time to practice.

When you practice, do so when you are fully focused and centered.  Try this:

•   Exhale slowly…as slowly as you can, expelling all of your out-breath.
•   Repeat 5 times. (This will also reduce anxiety!)
•   When you feel you are really focused on what you are doing, you can begin to execute a jump or motion or whatever.
•   But right before you do so, exhale slowly, “see” with your mind’s eye what you are going to do, and then do it.
•   Notice how it feels to do it right.

I also have a training program called The Mental Game of Cheerleading: Tryouts!  This is a 2-CD audio program that comes with a 50 page workbook.  It provides everything you would need top help you ace tryouts.  Normally this is $67 but there’s a special holiday offer and it is now $47 until December 25.  But you can find plenty to help you on my blog.

Good luck!

Dr. Pam
The Mental Game of Cheerleading
http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com
http://www.confidentcheerleading.com