Should I try out for the high school cheerleading squad?

Question

I was a cheerleader for jr. high both years, and at our school you don't need to do the splits or tumbling or anything it's just a bonus. I can't do any of that stuff, and I have trouble with my arms a lot, plus my jumps are not that high. I may seem like a bad cheerleader but I have a loud voice and I'm a pretty good cheerleader on the field. I know high school tryouts are going to be harder than jr. high tryouts, and I don't want to try out if I know I can't make it. I don't want to go through that disappointment. Please tell me if I should try out out or not and give me tips on how to become a better cheerleader and make my jumps higher. Thanks!

Answer 1

just stretch every day to get more flexibility, that should help with your splits and will help your jumps too. to make your jumps higher tho, just use all your power in your plie [bending your knees, or whatever prep you use for your jumps] and just spring up as high as you can. and keep those arms straight! i always had arm problems too. you should try out, have fun and dont put so much pressure on yourself! =] hope that helped  

Answer 2

A lot of cheerleaders going into high school won't make varsity squad.  You're right:  the competition is fierce.  One thing that's in your favor is that you've already been doing it for two years.  I'd say--what's it hurt?  Give it a try.  See who the competition is, and how good they are.  Even if you don't make it, you can use it to put a little fire in your bones for next year.  Nothing is so impressive to a coach as seeing someone who didn't make a team one year come back the next with their skills improved.  When they see that sort of commitment, they remember it.  So, you have the chance to make it.  But if you don't, you can use it to springboard you into success.

Strength training and core training are both really good for your jumps and your arms.  I've never been a cheerleader, but I've been a dancer, and I know that when my abs were good, my jumps _and_ my flexibility improved, and all my movements were sharper.  

Cheerleading is one of those whole-body sports, though, so don't fall into the trap of thinking that focusing on one part of your body will take care of the whole problem.  Make sure your workouts take your whole body into account.  And good luck!

Answer 3

Sure, what matters most is what you show on the field.

Answer 4

One. You tell yourself it you want to do it, not me.  TWO..try it because when you leave high school you MAY say "why didnt i do that" THREE...you live once in your life, the olympics being on the tv right now should help you, WHAT I MEAN is....usain bolt didnt run a 19.30 last year, or 4 years ago...he practiced, what was out of sight 4 years ago, or appeared impossible....became possible, and achieved..hoped i helped sweety

Answer 5

You should definitely try!  Just go out there and show your spirit and let your personality shine through.  It is better to try and fail then to not try at all...then you will always wonder if you could have made it if only you had tried.  If you don't make it, ask them if there are any tips for things you should work on improving for next year.  Good luck!!