AES Cougar Cheerleading

Cheerleading 101: the Basics

Coaching    Dance    Exercises    Jumps    Motions    Stunting    Tryouts    Tumbling

So you want to be a cheerleader? Here's a beginner's guide!

Cheerleading should be about having a positive and supportive attitude, school spirit and enthusiasm.  No question about that.  But there is also a tremendous physical aspect to it.  The pages listed above will give you the low-down nitty gritty on the most essential elements that every cheerleader from beginner ankle biters on up to adults should master.

Trying out soon?

If you have never been a cheerleader and don't know what to expect, you can watch videos of kids trying out for various teams, and teams preparing for competition. For online viewing just go to the following website and look for the episodes as numbered: "MADE" (#18, #41, #51, #55, #115).  "Cheerleader Nation" and "Cheerleader U." also encapsulate the tryout and competition experience. (A word to the wise, if you are going to be a cheerleader you need to grow a thick skin!! If your coach comes into your house and straightens out a picture frame, would that make you cry? Of course not! And the same should go if (s)he or another team member straightens out your high V, or toe touch, or dance moves. Don't take constructive criticism personally, but please do listen to it and learn from it.)

As far as requirements go, if it is a very athletic and competitive squad you are trying out for you will want to sign up for a tumbling class, start stretching and conditioning for strength, endurance and flexibility, and start working on motions and jumps as well. If you don't have tryouts until late summer or fall, a summer camp is a great idea. You can learn a lot about cheering and get a feel for how tryout clinics work by going to one. To find a camp check with your local universities and see if their teams are doing clinics, or if you are in the USA go here: http://varsity.com/camps/ (In the banner at the bottom of that last link are icons for different cheering companies. You can click those icons, find their section on camps, then click the link to camp search or camp finder. It will bring up a search form so you can check your state and others nearby. You will have to contact the camp, however, and see if they have a "camp team" available for individuals who are attending without a team of their own.)

Finally, as important as all of the cheer skills are, don't ignore the academic side of things if this is a school team. Make sure your grades are good enough to be allowed to try out.