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5 min. read
Learn how to become a cheerleader step by step: build fitness, learn basic cheer skills, find the right team and prepare for tryout day.
Cheerleading takes teamwork and practice and it takes athletic ability. To be a cheerleader, you must learn the fundamentals of motions, jumps, and tumbling. Build core strength, flexibility and crowd leading energy. Then, prepare by researching local team tryout requirements or by taking an introductory class at a cheerleading gym.
Beginners can start at school or a local cheer gym, while advanced athletes can audition for college, all-star, or professional cheerleading teams.
Cheerleading is a sport. It requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. You cannot just show up and expect to make the team. You need to prepare your body.
Strong muscles help you jump higher, tumble better, and stunt safely. Focus on your arms, legs, and core. You can do push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks at home.
Cheerleaders need to be flexible. You need to do splits, kick high, and bend your body into different shapes. Stretch every day. Focus on your hamstrings, hips, and back.
Cheer routines are short but intense. You need to perform at full energy for two and a half minutes without getting tired. Cardio exercises like running, jumping rope, or biking help build your endurance.
If you know tryouts are coming, start training months in advance. The earlier you start, the better prepared you will be.
You do not need to be an expert to try out. But you do need to know the basics.
Learn the fundamental cheer motions. High V, Low V, T motion, and others. These are the building blocks of every cheer routine.
Start with simple jumps like the toe touch. A toe touch is a jump where you spread your legs to the sides and point your toes. Practice this jump over and over until it looks clean.
Some teams require tumbling skills. Others do not. If you have never tumbled before, start with a cartwheel or a forward roll. If you can, consider taking a tumbling class at a local gym. A coach can teach you the right technique and keep you safe.
Learn a simple cheer or chant. Practice projecting your voice. Cheerleaders should project their voices clearly.
Not all cheer teams are the same. There are different types of cheerleading. Choose the one that fits you.
This is the team at your school. You cheer for football, basketball, other sports, and you can compete against other school cheer teams. You lead the crowd and build school spirit. Tryouts usually happen once a year. You need to keep your grades up to stay on the team.
This is competitive cheer. Teams train year-round and compete against other gyms. You do not need to be from the same school. Anyone can join. All-star cheer is a club spot and typically requires more time and money.
A community-based cheer program that focuses on teaching fundamental cheerleading skills in a fun, supportive environment. Unlike school cheer, recreation teams are typically run through parks and recreation departments, youth sports organizations, or community clubs. These programs are open to athletes of all skill levels and emphasize learning, teamwork, confidence, and participation.
If you are willing to join your school team, talk to the coach or athletic director. If you want to join an all-star team, search for cheer gyms in your area. If you want to join a rec team you see if there are any recreation centers near you that off cheer. Most gyms offer introductory classes where you can try it out before committing.
Tryouts are your chance to show the coaches what you can do. Preparation is key.
Find out what the coaches are looking for. Ask past or current cheerleaders about the tryout process. What skills will they test? What should you wear?
Many teams hold a clinic before tryouts. They teach you the cheer, dance, and chant you will need to perform. Attend the clinic if you can. Then practice the material every day until tryouts.
Wear form-fitting athletic clothes to tryouts. Coaches need to see your posture and technique. Baggy clothes hide your form. If you can, wear your school/gym colors.
Do a mock tryout in front of your family or friends. This helps you get used to performing in front of an audience.
Tryout day can be stressful. But you can handle it. Here is what to do.
Get to the tryout location before the scheduled time. This gives you time to warm up, stretch, and calm your nerves.
Water bottle, hair ties, and any required forms. Some schools require a physical exam or signed permission forms.
Stretch your muscles and do some light cardio. You do not want to pull a muscle during tryouts.
Coaches are not just looking at your skills. They are looking at your attitude. Smile. Be energetic. Show that you have school spirit. Coaches can teach you skills. They cannot teach you to have a good attitude.
Keep your motions sharp. Point your toes. Stand tall. If you make a mistake, do not stop. Keep going and smile.
Do not rush through the routine. Focus on one element at a time.
Becoming a cheerleader takes effort. You need to build your fitness, learn basic skills, find the right team, and prepare for tryouts. But anyone with the right attitude and dedication can do it.
Start training early. Practice your skills. Show your spirit. And when tryout day comes, smile, stay confident, and give it your all.
