Have you ever watched a cheerleading performance and thought, “I want to do that!”? But how do you actually get started? Here’s how you can begin your cheerleading journey.
Cheerleading isn’t just about waving pom-poms and flashing a smile. While it may look fun, it’s still a real sport. You need strength, endurance, flexibility, and a strong sense of teamwork to get started in cheerleading.
If you’re ready to give it your all while having fun, you’re already on the right track.
Luckily, there are cheerleading teams almost everywhere. From school teams to university squads to professional clubs – the options are plenty. Many teams offer trial training sessions, where you can get a feel for the sport. This way, you can quickly figure out if it’s the right fit for you. Typically, you can arrange a trial session by calling or emailing the club. Some teams also offer public sessions, which you can attend without prior arrangements – usually, this information is available on the team’s website.
Remember: Cheerleading is a team sport, and trust is crucial. After all, you want to be sure that you’ll be caught safely after a stunt. So, take the time to try out different teams at the beginning. The chemistry has to be right – that’s key to enjoying the sport.
Coaches are also looking for this when you attend a trial session.
In smaller cheer teams, it’s often enough to actively participate in the trial session, show your enthusiasm for the sport, and demonstrate how you interact with the team in order to join the club.
Teams that are more professionally organized often hold “Try Outs.” You can think of it like a job interview for cheerleaders. It’s about showing what you can already do. So, you’ll be tested athletically. Depending on the team, this may involve performing a few tricks and exercises, but some teams also expect you to prepare a self-choreographed routine for this purpose.
Don’t worry, no one expects you to do a backflip on the first day. Cheerleading is a sport that you learn step by step. Typically, the training will include:
Don’t stress if not everything works out right away. Every stunt pro started with a shaky handstand.
Cheerleading requires strength and flexibility. So, additional training is always beneficial. Core workouts, strength exercises for arms and legs, and regular stretching will help you tremendously – and it’s sometimes expected.
Nothing works in cheerleading without teamwork. Trust your teammates, communicate clearly, and be ready to support others. And yes, things might go wrong at times – but that’s exactly what brings you closer. The best teams grow together through their challenges. So, make sure to connect with your teammates right from the start.
Becoming a cheerleader isn’t an unreachable dream; it’s an exciting challenge. With the right attitude, a bit of practice, and lots of good vibes, you’ll soon be on the field, cheering on the crowd. So, what are you waiting for? Go, fight, win!
