What are the judges looking for in a middle school cheerleader tryout?

I coached both Jr high and High School Cheerleading. I always looked for potential at the Jr High level and then precision at the High School level. In the Jr High level I looked for how well they retained the information and how spirited they were during the try out. A lot of times I cut girls because they got to nervous and let that show to much, but kept other girls who made up motions (like during the dance especially) and didn't show that they made a mistake. Tell her that if she forgets a motion, hit any motion, just make it look sharp and pretend it was the right one. Don't let the judges or coach know it was the wrong one. But most of all try to not let her get nervous and have a blast with it instead!

They will look for her personality to shine through which sounds hypocritical because they are all doing the same cheer and routine but you can just tell when someone out there is having fun. You are right about the positive attitude and facial expressions. Getting the dance and cheer down are important as well. Also let her know if she makes a mistake to keep going because they look at that also. No one is perfect all the time but it is how you pick yourself up and move on that is important.

Just let her know that not all girls can make the team but that there is always next year and as long as she does her best then that is all she can do. Also if she doesn't make it to help her deal with the disappointment maybe enroll her in a dance, chear or gymnastics class to help her prepare for next year or let her pick another activity of her choice.

Just be really confident! Your skill levels may not be very high but you can improve it by doing a roundoff and then a double toetouch or some jump sequence, this will show them that you are open and creative. They will probably teach you a dance and a cheer or two, so a good way to show you are really into it and are serious ask questions to the former cheerleaders who will be there helping to run things because the coach takes their input very seriously and make friends with all the returner girls and ask them questions and ask them their opinions of your jumps just become friends with them because although they were on the team before right this moment they are in the same position as you are. Good Luck!

Sharpness, loudness, and facials are very important. Also focus on tumbling: she should do a round-off if she has one...that's what got me on the squad in middle school. If she has a flip-flop (back handspring), even better! Round-off flip-flop back tucks are probably the best to do at a tryout if she has one. Make sure she DOES NOT do anything that she isn't absoultely sure she can do. She could get seriously hurt. Make sure it is practiced.

Jumps are also key on a cheer squad. Make sure at the tryout, if the girls can choose what kind of jumps they can do, help her choose the one(s) that she can do best.

Make sure she knows that if she doesn't make it this year, to try out next year because cheerleading can be really fun! Good luck!!

Being supportive (and corrective at times) in every decision she makes is the only true way to encourage her and help her out. Her being new may very well lead to her not making the squad, but it could also lead to greater opportunities, like friendship, as you said. Also, if she does not make the cheer-leading squad, have her look into joining a color guard. Color guards show needs for charisma and rhythm, similar to cheer-leading. Color guards are often very underrated at some schools, but the activity is considered much more demanding and much more rewarding than cheer-leading. I am in an indoor drumline, and I know many members of my school's indoor color guard; some of them were girls that didn't make the cheer-leading squad. They claim is it more rewarding in the sense that they are working for themselves; the activity is independent because they are the main event (they do not just tag along for a sports team).

So no matter what happens, the only tips you can give her are to stay strong, be true to herself, and to try her best, which apply to ANY situation, not just trying out for a cheer-leading squad.

Be Peppy and excited. She is going to be a CHEER leader,she will need to get the crowd excited about the games. So just being loud and precise isn't everything,I think judges also want someone of good character,a good role model for classmates.

I've tried out twice and been unsuccessful. But this is what i learned:

~Smile

~DON'T SAY "Woo!" judges HATE "Woo!"

~If tumbling counts, do the most advanced thing she can.

~Be loud

~Keep going if you mess up

~In some schools, grades and teacher recommendations to count

~Have her show you her routines

~Jumps! There are specific jumps she needs. They'll be taught them

~Have her present her routine in front of you, and make sure she isn't afraid of preforming in front of adults

~Email me at amarose20@yahoo.com if you need anymore help

She doesn't have to be a pro to make the team. What alot of coaches look for is potential, outgoing-ness, commitment. Everything else can be learned, as long as she is dedicted and commited to learning. As long as she is confident and tries her best, she will do fine. I coach middle school volleyball, and we have the same philosphy, as long as you are commited, we can teach you. She has some experience, which is a plus, and plus, its middle school, they dont expect her to be a skilled expert, not yet anyway :)

well she should be able to do all the moves they have taught her in the four days, loudness, cheerfulness are also things they will be looking for. that is probably about it

Well, she needs to be able to do the routine. Besides that, enthusiasm, energy and smile, smile, smile!