How to Make the Middle School Cheer Squad: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you dream of pom-poms, tumbling passes, and leading the crowd in spirited chants? Making the middle school cheer squad is an exciting goal, but it requires dedication, preparation, and a positive attitude. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-tryout preparation to nailing the actual tryouts, and beyond.

## Part 1: Pre-Tryout Preparation – Laying the Foundation for Success

Before you even think about tryouts, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation. This involves physical conditioning, skill development, and understanding what cheerleading is all about.

**1. Physical Conditioning: Building Strength and Stamina**

Cheerleading is physically demanding. You’ll need strength, flexibility, and endurance to perform jumps, stunts, and routines effectively. Start a fitness regimen well in advance of tryouts.

* **Cardiovascular Exercise:**
* **Running:** Incorporate regular runs into your routine. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase the mileage and intensity. Interval training (alternating between high-intensity bursts and periods of rest) is particularly beneficial for building endurance.
* **Swimming:** Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that builds cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles.
* **Cycling:** Biking is another excellent option for building leg strength and endurance.
* **Jump Rope:** This is a fantastic way to improve coordination, agility, and cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of jump rope each session.

* **Strength Training:**
* **Bodyweight Exercises:** Focus on exercises that utilize your own body weight, such as push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and sit-ups. These exercises are effective for building overall strength and muscle endurance.
* **Push-ups:** Start with modified push-ups (on your knees) if necessary and gradually work your way up to full push-ups. Aim for 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions.
* **Squats:** Proper form is crucial. Keep your back straight, chest up, and lower yourself as if sitting in a chair. Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
* **Lunges:** Step forward with one leg and lower your body until both knees are bent at 90-degree angles. Keep your front knee behind your toes. Aim for 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per leg.
* **Planks:** Hold a plank position (forearms on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels) for as long as you can maintain proper form. Aim for 3 sets, holding each plank for 30-60 seconds.
* **Sit-ups:** Focus on engaging your core muscles. Avoid pulling on your neck. Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
* **Weight Training (Optional):** If you have access to weights and know how to use them safely, you can incorporate weight training into your routine. Focus on exercises that target major muscle groups, such as legs, core, and arms.

* **Flexibility Training:**
* **Stretching:** Incorporate static stretching (holding a stretch for 30 seconds) into your routine after each workout. Focus on stretching major muscle groups, such as hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and shoulders.
* **Yoga or Pilates:** These practices can improve flexibility, balance, and core strength.

**2. Skill Development: Mastering the Fundamentals**

Cheerleading involves a variety of skills, including jumps, tumbling, motions, and stunting (if applicable). Focus on mastering the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced skills.

* **Jumps:**
* **Toe Touch:** The toe touch is a fundamental jump. Focus on pointing your toes, keeping your legs straight, and reaching for your toes with your arms. Practice your straddle splits to improve your flexibility.
* **Hurdler:** The hurdler requires flexibility and balance. Practice your splits and hamstring stretches.
* **Pike:** Keep your legs straight and together, and bring them up towards your chest. Practice your hamstring stretches and core strength exercises.
* **Herkie:** Bring one leg out to the side and the other leg bent in front. This requires significant flexibility and balance.
* **Technique:** Practice your jumps regularly. Focus on proper form, height, and landing. Film yourself jumping and analyze your technique to identify areas for improvement. Use a mirror to check your body positioning.

* **Tumbling:**
* **Back Handspring:** A back handspring is a common tumbling skill. If you’re new to tumbling, start with the basics, such as cartwheels and back walkovers. It’s highly recommended that you learn back handspring from a qualified tumbling coach or instructor.
* **Round-Off:** The round-off is a transitional tumbling skill. It’s often used to set up more advanced tumbling passes.
* **Front Walkover:** An essential skill to build towards more complex moves. Focus on control and flexibility.
* **Safety First:** Tumbling can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always practice tumbling under the supervision of a qualified coach or instructor. Use proper safety equipment, such as mats and spotters.

* **Motions:**
* **High V:** Arms extended up at a 45-degree angle, forming a V shape.
* **Low V:** Arms extended down at a 45-degree angle, forming an inverted V shape.
* **T Motion:** Arms extended straight out to the sides, forming a T shape.
* **Touchdown:** Arms extended straight up overhead, parallel to each other.
* **Dagger:** One arm bent at a 90-degree angle in front of you, the other arm on your hip.
* **Sharpness and Precision:** Practice your motions regularly. Focus on making your motions sharp, precise, and clean. Watch videos of cheerleaders performing motions and try to emulate their technique. Record yourself and analyze your movements.

* **Stunting (If Applicable):**
* **Safety:** Stunting should only be performed under the supervision of a qualified coach or instructor. Safety is paramount.
* **Fundamentals:** Learn the basics of stunting, such as basing, spotting, and flying. Master the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced stunts.
* **Teamwork:** Stunting requires teamwork and coordination. Practice with your teammates to develop trust and communication.

**3. Understanding Cheerleading:**

Cheerleading is more than just jumps and stunts. It’s about spirit, teamwork, and leadership. Familiarize yourself with the history and traditions of cheerleading.

* **Learn Cheerleading Terminology:** Familiarize yourself with common cheerleading terms, such as motions, jumps, stunts, and formations.
* **Study Cheerleading Routines:** Watch videos of cheerleading routines to get a sense of the style, choreography, and energy of cheerleading. Look for routines performed by middle school or high school cheerleading teams.
* **Understand the Role of a Cheerleader:** Cheerleaders are ambassadors for their school and community. They are expected to be positive role models and to demonstrate good sportsmanship.
* **Research Your School’s Cheerleading Team:** Find out about your school’s cheerleading team, including their traditions, routines, and coaches. Attend their games and practices to observe their performance and learn about their expectations.

**4. Nutrition and Hydration: Fueling Your Body for Success**

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for athletic performance. Fuel your body with healthy foods and stay hydrated throughout the day.

* **Eat a Balanced Diet:** Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine.
* **Hydrate Regularly:** Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and juice.
* **Pre-Workout Fuel:** Eat a light snack or meal before workouts to provide your body with energy. Good options include a banana, a handful of nuts, or a yogurt parfait.
* **Post-Workout Recovery:** Eat a protein-rich snack or meal after workouts to help your muscles recover. Good options include a protein shake, a chicken breast, or a handful of almonds.

**5. Mental Preparation: Building Confidence and Focus**

Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. Develop a positive attitude, build confidence, and learn how to manage stress.

* **Visualize Success:** Visualize yourself performing well at tryouts. Imagine yourself nailing your jumps, motions, and routines.
* **Positive Self-Talk:** Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Tell yourself that you are capable, confident, and prepared.
* **Manage Stress:** Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.
* **Set Realistic Goals:** Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to learn everything overnight. Focus on making gradual progress.

## Part 2: Mastering the Tryout Routine**

Most middle school cheer squads have a specific tryout routine that candidates must perform. This routine typically includes jumps, motions, a cheer, and possibly a short dance or tumbling pass. Learning the routine is crucial for success.

**1. Obtain the Tryout Routine:**

* **Attend Tryout Clinics:** Many cheerleading squads offer tryout clinics or workshops to help candidates learn the tryout routine and improve their skills. Attend these clinics to get a head start.
* **Request the Routine:** If you are unable to attend a clinic, contact the cheerleading coach or team captain and ask for a copy of the tryout routine. Many squads will provide a video or written instructions.

**2. Break Down the Routine:**

* **Divide into Sections:** Divide the routine into smaller sections, such as jumps, motions, cheer, and dance. This will make it easier to learn and memorize.
* **Practice Each Section Separately:** Practice each section of the routine separately until you feel comfortable with it. Focus on proper form, timing, and execution.
* **Put It All Together:** Once you have mastered each section, start putting the routine together. Practice the entire routine repeatedly until you can perform it smoothly and confidently.

**3. Perfect Your Performance:**

* **Record Yourself:** Record yourself performing the routine and analyze your performance. Identify areas for improvement and focus on correcting your mistakes.
* **Practice in Front of a Mirror:** Practice the routine in front of a mirror to check your form and technique.
* **Perform for Friends and Family:** Perform the routine for friends and family and ask for their feedback.
* **Focus on Energy and Enthusiasm:** Remember that cheerleading is about energy and enthusiasm. Smile, make eye contact, and project confidence.

## Part 3: Nailing the Tryouts – Showcasing Your Abilities**

The day of tryouts can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation, you can confidently showcase your abilities and impress the judges.

**1. Prepare the Night Before:**

* **Get Plenty of Rest:** Get a good night’s sleep to ensure that you are well-rested and energized for tryouts.
* **Pack Your Bag:** Pack your bag with everything you will need for tryouts, including your cheerleading attire, shoes, hair ties, water bottle, and snacks.
* **Review the Routine:** Review the tryout routine one last time to refresh your memory.

**2. Arrive Early and Be Prepared:**

* **Arrive Early:** Arrive at the tryout location early to allow yourself time to warm up and prepare.
* **Check In:** Check in with the tryout organizers and make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork.
* **Warm Up:** Warm up your muscles with light cardio and stretching exercises.

**3. During the Tryout:**

* **Listen Carefully to Instructions:** Pay close attention to the instructions given by the judges and coaches.
* **Perform with Confidence:** Perform the tryout routine with confidence and energy. Smile, make eye contact, and project enthusiasm.
* **Showcase Your Skills:** Showcase your skills in jumps, motions, and tumbling. Focus on proper form, technique, and execution.
* **Be Positive and Respectful:** Maintain a positive attitude and be respectful to the judges, coaches, and other candidates.
* **Don’t Give Up:** Even if you make a mistake, don’t give up. Keep going and finish the routine strong.

**4. After the Tryout:**

* **Thank the Judges and Coaches:** Thank the judges and coaches for their time and consideration.
* **Be Patient:** Be patient while the judges deliberate. Results are usually posted within a few days.
* **Regardless of the Outcome:** Regardless of the outcome, be proud of yourself for trying out. Cheerleading is a competitive activity, and not everyone will make the team.

## Part 4: Beyond Tryouts – Being a Team Player**

Making the cheer squad is just the beginning. Being a valuable member of the team requires dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude.

**1. Attend Practices and Games Regularly:**

* **Commitment:** Attend all practices and games regularly. Be on time and prepared to work hard.
* **Communicate:** Communicate with your coaches and teammates if you are unable to attend a practice or game.

**2. Work Hard and Improve Your Skills:**

* **Continuous Improvement:** Continue to work hard and improve your skills. Practice regularly and seek feedback from your coaches and teammates.
* **Learn New Skills:** Be open to learning new skills and techniques. Attend cheerleading camps and workshops to further your training.

**3. Be a Team Player:**

* **Support:** Support your teammates and encourage them to succeed. Cheerleading is a team sport, and everyone needs to work together to achieve their goals.
* **Positive Attitude:** Maintain a positive attitude and be respectful to your coaches, teammates, and opponents.
* **Team Goals:** Put the team’s goals ahead of your own. Be willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team.

**4. Represent Your School with Pride:**

* **Role Model:** Remember that you are a representative of your school. Conduct yourself with pride and be a positive role model for others.
* **Sportsmanship:** Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Cheer for your team and support your school.

**5. Manage Your Time Effectively:**

* **Balance:** Cheerleading requires a significant time commitment. Learn to manage your time effectively so that you can balance cheerleading with your schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life.
* **Prioritize:** Prioritize your responsibilities and make sure that you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and staying organized.

## Tips for Success:

* **Start Preparing Early:** Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for tryouts. The earlier you start, the better prepared you will be.
* **Practice Regularly:** Practice your skills regularly, even when tryouts are not approaching. Consistency is key to improving your technique and building your confidence.
* **Seek Feedback:** Ask for feedback from your coaches, teammates, and friends. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement.
* **Stay Positive:** Maintain a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Cheerleading is a challenging activity, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.
* **Have Fun:** Remember to have fun! Cheerleading is a rewarding activity that can bring you joy, friendship, and a sense of accomplishment.

Making the middle school cheer squad is a challenging but achievable goal. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for tryouts and beyond. Good luck, and remember to smile and shine!