Here are some DOs and DON’Ts for TRYOUTS of 2018!

I get it, tryouts can be stressful – but they don’t have to be! Follow my top tricks and tips to make this year’s tryouts stressfree and fun for both you and your cheerleader!

DOs:

1. Take extra tumbling classes or privates to clean up your current skills. You can take extra privates at your gym or virtually with Danielle (check it out)!! 

2. Look presentable. When you feel good, you do good! We are looking for you to be confident in the level you are trying out for. A polished, clean look adds to confidence and overall presentation.

Gabby looking presentable for tryouts.

3. Get a good night’s sleep and eat healthy the days leading up to tryouts. Getting sleep and eating healthy will help you stay focused and energized. 

4. Come to tryouts with an open mind. Just because you were a flyer at your old gym, does not mean you will be a flyer again.

5. Deep stretch the days leading up to tryouts. You might be able to accomplish that needle or a hyper extended jump if you really stick to a regimen. See my last blog on improving flexibility!

Amarys stretching at home.

6. Trust the process! The coaches are the experts and we take a lot into consideration when putting teams together.

DONTs:

1. DON’T Take extra tumbling classes or privates to try to get new skills in a rush for tryouts. Coaches are looking for proper technique or “compete-able” skills. We’d rather see a beautiful specialty level 2 pass, as opposed to a round off tuck landing to your knees. 

2. DON’T come to tryouts in non-cheer sneakers, hair in face, or wearing jewelry; these are not only unsafe, but also a distraction. 

3. DON’T come to tryouts with a cheeseburger, candy, and soda in your bag for break. Your energy will crash and you won’t feel 100%. Instead, stick with water and healthy options such as fresh veggies or a piece of fruit. 

4. DON’T refuse a stunting position when asked to try basing or flying in a particular group. Leave it to the coaches to “play around” until we find a perfect fit for you. 

5. DON’T skimp out on stretching. You can easily pull a muscle if you haven’t been in the gym in a few weeks and haven’t warmed up those muscles properly before try outs!

6. DON’T bad mouth the gym, coaches, or other athletes based on where anyone or yourself should be placed. Hold your chin high, be a good team player, and most of all, have fun!

#CHEERFITAMBASSADOR Kaylee stretching. 

JEN PESCI

is currently a coach at Premier All Stars in Morganville, NJ. She has coached cheerleading for 19 years, at all ages and levels, and is well educated and highly experienced in all areas of cheer. Pictured is Jen with her 3 daughters Kaylee, Gianna, and Gabriella, who all cheer for Premier as well