How to prepare for cheer tryouts
To prepare for cheer tryouts, practice your current tumbling and jumps, build core and leg strength, get comfortable performing in front of others, and arrive rested and confident. All-star evaluations are about showing coaches what you can do safely right now, not about being perfect. Steady preparation in the weeks before helps an athlete perform their best and settle their nerves.
Last updated July 10, 2026
What skills should I practice before cheer tryouts?
Focus on cleaning up the skills you already have rather than rushing new ones. Coaches want to see solid, controlled technique, so a clean cartwheel and round-off count for more than a shaky skill you cannot land consistently.
Useful things to sharpen in the weeks before an evaluation include:
- •Tumbling you can already do: rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, back handsprings, or tucks, executed cleanly.
- •Jumps: toe touches, hurdlers, and pikes, with pointed toes and strong arm motions.
- •Motions and sharpness: clean, precise arm placements from cheer or dance.
- •Flexibility: splits and shoulder flexibility, improved gradually with daily stretching.
- •Basic stunting positions if you have them, though coaches teach these too.
How can I build strength and flexibility for tryouts?
Cheer draws on core, leg, and shoulder strength, so simple conditioning a few times a week pays off. Bodyweight exercises like planks, hollow holds, squats, lunges, and push-ups build the control needed for tumbling and stunting without any equipment.
Flexibility improves with consistency, not intensity. Short daily stretching for splits, bridges, and shoulders is safer and more effective than one long session. Start a few weeks out so the body adapts gradually and avoid pushing into pain, which can cause injury right before an evaluation.
How do I calm nerves and build confidence?
Nerves are normal, even for experienced athletes. The best cure is preparation and rehearsal. Practicing in front of family, or performing your jumps and motions for someone watching, makes the real evaluation feel familiar.
Remind your athlete that coaches are looking for potential and coachability, not perfection. A confident smile, strong eye contact, and a willingness to try again after a mistake leave a strong impression. Positive self-talk and a few slow breaths before each skill help keep the body relaxed and in control.
What should I do the week and night before?
In the final week, taper off hard conditioning and avoid attempting brand-new skills that are not consistent yet. Light practice, good stretching, and rest let the body feel fresh on evaluation day.
The night before, lay out clothes and shoes, pack water and hair ties, and get a full night of sleep. Eat a normal, balanced meal beforehand and arrive early so there is no rush. Walking in calm, hydrated, and rested does more for performance than a last-minute cram session.
Frequently asked questions
How long before tryouts should I start preparing?
Two to four weeks of consistent preparation is plenty for most athletes. Use that time to clean up skills you already have, build strength, and stretch daily. Avoid rushing brand-new skills right before an evaluation.
Do I need a back handspring to make a cheer team?
No. Teams exist at every level, and beginners are placed at Level 1 with foundational tumbling. Coaches evaluate your current skills and place you where you can compete safely and keep improving.
Should I take tumbling classes before tryouts?
Tumbling or open gym sessions are a great way to sharpen skills and build confidence before an evaluation. They also help a new athlete get comfortable in the gym environment before tryout day.
What if I make a mistake during tryouts?
Mistakes are expected and coaches watch how you recover. Reset, breathe, and try again with a good attitude. Coachability and effort often matter as much as landing every skill perfectly.
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