High school cheer teams may seem intimidating to try out for, especially if you don’t have much past experience. When trying out for high school cheer, judges will mainly focus on evaluating your jumps, spirit, projection, and coordination.

When arriving at a tryout, you want to make sure to look neat and put together. Usually a coach will instruct you on what to wear so that everyone matches. Also remember to smile! Even if you’re nervous, don’t let it show on your face. Keep good posture and a happy face. Confidence will give the judges a good first impression.

The tryout score sheets will usually have categories were the judge will rate you on each skill. It’s important to keep good technique in everything you do, in order to get a good score.

When performing jumps, make sure you are in the proper position. For a toe touch, you want to sit into the jump. Make sure your chest isn’t leaning forward and your toes and knees are pointed back towards the wall behind you when you jump.

When performing the tryout cheer given, make sure you yell from your diaphragm. Don’t be afraid to be loud! Have confidence! If you yell loud, with a clear voice, this will give off a good first impression. Annunciate your words and use good intonation.

When performing the tryout dance given, facials are a must! Do more than a smile to keep the judges entertained and engaged. If you feel like you look crazy while doing it, you’re probably doing it right.