Expert: Tessa Denen - 9/2/2009

Question
Hi. I'm going i will be in the 11th grade next year and want to try out for cheer-leading at the end of this year. but i have never cheered before or taken tumbling classes and it is too late to start taking them this year. Also since I will be in 11th grade i could only make varsity not JV. Could I still make the team?

Answer
Of course you could still make the team as long as you are willing to practice, and it sounds like you are!!:)  Taking cheer classes at a local gym as well as tumbling will really really help you prepare yourself for try-outs.  Here are a couple of things to really work on for next year's try-outs:

Sharp and tight motions are a HUGE advantage.  Coaches really notice that and it makes you stand out.  Make sure you have good motion placement as well... that's just as big.  As far as jumps go, those just take practice.  Watch your school's varsity squad to learn their approach and practice that until you have the technique down very well.  To make your jumps better, I suggest stretching EVERY DAY!!!  Some people think that isn't necessary, but you will be amazed at the difference in your flexibility after just a short time.  And obviously, the more flexible you are, the higher your legs will extend on your jumps.  

When it comes to high school try-outs, coaches don't just look for girls who are already perfect.  They look for girls with a ton of potential, girls who work hard and have great attitudes, girls who help others around them and girls who will come back the next day knowing the material perfectly proving that they went home and practiced.  All of those things show that you really want to be a member of the squad and that you have what it takes to be a varsity cheerleader.  That's not to say that coming in prepared isn't important, it most definitely is, but these are just other ways to get a jump on the girls that are also fighting for your spot.  

Three huge things that will help you:  try your best, ALWAYS have a good attitude, and ALWAYS SMILE!:)

Best of luck to you!!!!