Cheerleading Tryouts – Doubts Part III
I have heard from many cheerleaders who are worried about tryouts. This has led me to decide to write a book about this topic. I am working on the book now but I will include excerpts from it in today’s and upcoming posts.
Doubts are fueled by several factors including Lack of Accurate Feedback about Skill Level and Ability. If you are a true beginner, with no previous cheerleading or tumbling experience, you will be trying out for a beginners’ team so this does not apply to you.
I have seen cheerleaders who think they are not skilled enough pass on trying out for a varsity squad when, in fact they did have the right skills for varsity. And I have seen the reverse – cheerleaders believing they were highly skilled but were not – trying out for an upper level team that was way out of their range.
There are also cheerleaders who think they can learn a new skill such as a backward handspring a week before tryouts! Well, this is obviously not a good idea! Having an accurate and objective sense of your skill level is important and can save you much heartache.
The solution? Ideally your current coach or instructor will already have been giving you consistent feedback about your skill level and ability but if not, ask your coach to assess your skills and ask your coach if you are ready to try out for a particular squad. If your coach tells you that you are NOT ready, take this information as data, not as a personal attack. Find out what you need to work on so you can prepare for next year.
Inadequate Training: This problem is related to problem number three. In this instance the cheerleader simply has not had the right kind of training in order to move to the next level. Many cheerleaders know that they have not have the right kind of training or experience because their skill level is not up to par. Not having the right kind of training contributes to doubt.
Solution? The solution in this instance is pretty straightforward and that is to make sure that you do get adequate training. There are countless cheerleading gyms available to learn the skills. There are also videos and books which may be helpful. (Of course do NOT try any tumbling moves on your own – be safe!) Before you sign up for a cheer gym, visit several and observe other cheerleaders and talk to them to see what they recommend. You can often get a sense of a place from the “feel” of the mood of the cheerleaders who are there. If you are a parent looking for a gym for your kids, definitely talk to other parents to get their read on a place.
Tags: cheerleader, cheerleaders, Cheerleading, cheerleading tryouts, cheers, coach, tumbling