Expert: Tessa Denen - 8/11/2009

Question
hi my name ashlee
i cheered in high school for two years. i want to try out for a local college team. i was just wondering if you had any tips for me. i have expeience in partner stunting but i want to do it some more before i try out. do you have any ideas that could help me out:) please i am dying to cheer again!!!!

Answer
Hi Ashlee!

It's AWESOME that you are wanting to try out for college cheer.  It's fun!:)

First of all, do some research on the local college squad.  Sometimes schools have both co-ed and all girl squads.  As far as partner stunting goes, if you have some experience and want to keep practicing, awesome, but also know that most colleges coaches realize that very few high schools have legitimate co-ed squads.  They don't really expect you to come in with a TON of partner stunting experience.  They expect you to try hard and want to learn, but what they look for in that area is potential.  Do you stay tight?  Do you ask questions wanting to learn?  Do you take what you are told with a good attitude and try your best to execute it?  These types of things.

There are plenty of ways to stand out at try-outs other than stunting.  First of all, don't be afraid to stand out.  I always tell anyone who is about to try-out for any squad that if the coach doesn't remember you, she won't pick you.  Some ways to make SURE that the coach remembers you is to ALWAYS try to be in or near the front.  It shows you have confidence.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Always smile, have a great attitude and try to help others if they need it.   WORK HARD and do it with a fantastic attitude.  

Some things to be sure you have mastered before try-outs are motion placement and technique.  Always be sharp and snap your motions.  Make sure you have good jump technique as well (and make sure your toes are pointed).  I suggest practicing motions in the mirror so you can see if your arms are always where they should be.

Tumbling is also a major part of try-outs.  Do what you can, but don't feel too pressured.  Never try  something on the fly that you have never done.  I would check with the college to see if they have tumbling requirements.  A lot of colleges will say something like "back hand spring requested but not required."  Don't let that scare you away if tumbling isn't your specialty.  If this is what they say, then I promise you that every year they put girls on without tumbling.

If you have any other specific questions please let me know!  Keep practicing and good luck!!:)