Tryouts are coming up soon and you might be questioning either whether you should tryout or maybe whether or not your coach likes you. Both of these are good questions. The best way to tell if you're the ideal cheerleader for a/your cheer coach is to not be what they don't want! Here's a few things coaches don't want in an athlete.
1. I'll Only Do It If...
Many girls are either debating whether to tryout or if they're an older grade they might be deciding if they want to tryout at all. Thoughts like "I'll only do it if I make varsity" or "I'll only do it if I was captain" go through their heads and that's exactly what a cheer coach doesn't want. They want an athlete that will stick through it even if it's not exactly what they wanted. No coach wants to fill up a list and have half the girls drop out because it wasn't what they wanted. Trust is a big thing coaches want and you need to be able to give them that and they'll do the same.
2. LazZzzzzy
Cheerleading is an exciting and engeretic sport that takes muscle, memory and hardworking and if you're nt willing to put in the work then there's really no point. You may think you'll look cool on stage but in reality you'll look like an idiot Bambi who has to watch people in front of them. Coaches love people who go the extra mile and are excited to be there!
3. Stereotypical
The biggest stereotype about cheerleaders is that they're pretty, slutty, mean and popular. If you plan on living out this stereotype then there's really no point in doing this to your squad. This is only in movies and coaches can usually see right through a girl who is only in it for the uniform so think twice about why you're really trying out.
4. Inappropriate
If you're always cussing, talking about sexual stuff, drinking and smoking then cheer isn't the right for for you. Cheerleaders aren't supposed to be perfect but they are suppose to be role models and good students on campus. A coach will eventually hear about your dark side and this may even lead to getting you kicked off and making the squad look bad.
Make sure to be the best you can be and tryout for all the right reasons. Also make sure cheer is what you're gonna love doing so you don't leave your squad after football season! Have fun and make memories
Love
A Cheerleader
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Should Your H.S Squad Compete?
Has it really been 21 days since the last post?! Wow time flys when basketball season comes into play but do you know what else a lot of schools are preparing for? Competitions! Is yours? If not here's a few ways to tell if your squad has what it takes to start competing. (Competition usually ends by March so f your squad is thinking about competing it'd be a good idea to register very very soon)
1. Criteria
You want to have a squad that is on the same level as most. This means having solid stunts and pyramids while being able to dance and chant your heart out. It also helps if your squad can tumble especially if your squad is in the Varsity divisions. You don't want a squad that is on a JV level to compete against girls who are solid on Varsity criteria.
2. Practice Makes Perfection
Does your squad have scheduled practices with little complaining and girls who show up? Great! This is a start for kicking your competition careers in gear. Your squad should be motivated and want to be there not have a bunch of girls who make dumb excuses as to why they don't want to come yet still expect to be in the front for everything. Coaches should be able to give an order and your squad performs it to their best ability. In order to compete your squad will need to have longer practices and be able to walk out on the mat confident!
3. Co$t$ and Expen$e$
Competing isn't exactly cheap. Every cheerleader has a fee they they pay which is anywhere from $35-$80 each. Then there is a coaching and squad fee along with buses and hotels if this competition is far. The squad parents and booster board should call together a meeting to talk about a budget and how much will be coming out of your wallet and the board's. If competing isn't in the costs this season then it would be a good idea to start saving up now and maybe cutting back on a few things like extra bows or camp wear in the next uniform package.
4. Dedication
Being a 1st place team isn't going to happen overnight especially if your team has never competed before. It may take a few competitions or seasons before your team is at the rank you want but don't get discouraged because it's not really about winning or losing. It's about the experience,memories, and laughs you experience with your team that is the real trophy!
So if your team is thinking of competing take all of these and more into consideration. Although it may be work...it'll be worth it in the end! Good luck!
Love,
A Cheerleader
1. Criteria
You want to have a squad that is on the same level as most. This means having solid stunts and pyramids while being able to dance and chant your heart out. It also helps if your squad can tumble especially if your squad is in the Varsity divisions. You don't want a squad that is on a JV level to compete against girls who are solid on Varsity criteria.
2. Practice Makes Perfection
Does your squad have scheduled practices with little complaining and girls who show up? Great! This is a start for kicking your competition careers in gear. Your squad should be motivated and want to be there not have a bunch of girls who make dumb excuses as to why they don't want to come yet still expect to be in the front for everything. Coaches should be able to give an order and your squad performs it to their best ability. In order to compete your squad will need to have longer practices and be able to walk out on the mat confident!
3. Co$t$ and Expen$e$
Competing isn't exactly cheap. Every cheerleader has a fee they they pay which is anywhere from $35-$80 each. Then there is a coaching and squad fee along with buses and hotels if this competition is far. The squad parents and booster board should call together a meeting to talk about a budget and how much will be coming out of your wallet and the board's. If competing isn't in the costs this season then it would be a good idea to start saving up now and maybe cutting back on a few things like extra bows or camp wear in the next uniform package.
4. Dedication
Being a 1st place team isn't going to happen overnight especially if your team has never competed before. It may take a few competitions or seasons before your team is at the rank you want but don't get discouraged because it's not really about winning or losing. It's about the experience,memories, and laughs you experience with your team that is the real trophy!
So if your team is thinking of competing take all of these and more into consideration. Although it may be work...it'll be worth it in the end! Good luck!
Love,
A Cheerleader
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Finding the Right Cheer Gym
Whether it's fro tumbling classes or joining a team here's a few things to ask and remember before 100% committing to a cheer gym by you.
-Location
It really depends on what your situation is. You might have a stay at home mom or dad who is willing to take you at whatever time or distance. You might have full time working parents who get home just in time for dinner. You might have your own car where you're free to drive wherever you need to be. All of these will make or break a cheer gym location. If your parents are willing to take you 1hr+ distance to cheer practice then so be it but if your parents can't always give you rides everywhere you want to make sure your gym is close enough to your house to where you can walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or have a teammate pick you up along the way.
-Scheduling
Most cheer gyms are good about keeping their practice times on weekdays with convient times for parents and student. Practices are usually held from 6-9 p.m. This gives students enough time to get home and do homework and parents enough time to get home and take their child. You should ask about timing when researching your future cheer gym so that times and dates don't constantly clash with another school sport, or your parents' work schedules.
-Quality
Cheerleading is rather expensive and if you're going to invest time and money into something you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth. Check online for reviews of the gym and see what others have to say. Go to the actual gym and check out the building. Does it have good equipment? Friendly looking staff? Holes in the walls? Are there a lot of kids there? These are all things you want to consider and more when finding the best quality gym. You don't want to end up on a gym that's so large that they don't except kids, or a gym so small you're mixed with different ages and levels.
-Cost
This is usually the biggest factor for parents! They want to know what they're paying which is understandable. If a gym doesn't outright so it on their website or tell you when getting a tour then just ask. You won't look rude or greedy by doing show you just want to know if it's in your budget and that's reasonable. A season of all star cheerleading on average goes for $3,800+ every season and a month of tumbling classes is usually $60+ for a one hour class once a week. Find what's in your budget and compare each cheer gym.
-Comparisons
Sit down together with your parents and make a list of your favorite cheer gyms. Then set them up like this:
Example
Firecracker All Stars
Distance: 10 minutes (on freeway)
Practice Times: 6pm-9:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,995
Blue Fountain All Stars
Distance: 15 minutes (main streets)
Practice Times: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,750
At the end of it your list should look something like this. Figure out what the deciding factor will be whether it's practice times, quality, cost or distance. These things should be talked about with your parents. Compare each gym to each other and in the end go with the one that fits your lifestyle the most.
I hope whatever cheer gym you choose you're happy with it. Don't sign up for something that you or your parents are 100% about, because you could end up losing time and money! Pick the gym that will make you the happiest and help you progress more and more each practice.
-Location
It really depends on what your situation is. You might have a stay at home mom or dad who is willing to take you at whatever time or distance. You might have full time working parents who get home just in time for dinner. You might have your own car where you're free to drive wherever you need to be. All of these will make or break a cheer gym location. If your parents are willing to take you 1hr+ distance to cheer practice then so be it but if your parents can't always give you rides everywhere you want to make sure your gym is close enough to your house to where you can walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or have a teammate pick you up along the way.
-Scheduling
Most cheer gyms are good about keeping their practice times on weekdays with convient times for parents and student. Practices are usually held from 6-9 p.m. This gives students enough time to get home and do homework and parents enough time to get home and take their child. You should ask about timing when researching your future cheer gym so that times and dates don't constantly clash with another school sport, or your parents' work schedules.
-Quality
Cheerleading is rather expensive and if you're going to invest time and money into something you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth. Check online for reviews of the gym and see what others have to say. Go to the actual gym and check out the building. Does it have good equipment? Friendly looking staff? Holes in the walls? Are there a lot of kids there? These are all things you want to consider and more when finding the best quality gym. You don't want to end up on a gym that's so large that they don't except kids, or a gym so small you're mixed with different ages and levels.
-Cost
This is usually the biggest factor for parents! They want to know what they're paying which is understandable. If a gym doesn't outright so it on their website or tell you when getting a tour then just ask. You won't look rude or greedy by doing show you just want to know if it's in your budget and that's reasonable. A season of all star cheerleading on average goes for $3,800+ every season and a month of tumbling classes is usually $60+ for a one hour class once a week. Find what's in your budget and compare each cheer gym.
-Comparisons
Sit down together with your parents and make a list of your favorite cheer gyms. Then set them up like this:
Example
Firecracker All Stars
Distance: 10 minutes (on freeway)
Practice Times: 6pm-9:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,995
Blue Fountain All Stars
Distance: 15 minutes (main streets)
Practice Times: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,750
At the end of it your list should look something like this. Figure out what the deciding factor will be whether it's practice times, quality, cost or distance. These things should be talked about with your parents. Compare each gym to each other and in the end go with the one that fits your lifestyle the most.
I hope whatever cheer gym you choose you're happy with it. Don't sign up for something that you or your parents are 100% about, because you could end up losing time and money! Pick the gym that will make you the happiest and help you progress more and more each practice.
Love,
A Cheerleader
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Cheerleading Picture Locations
It's around this time or maybe a few weeks before that most cheerleaders received their "cheer pictures" back and realized that they either loved them or hated them! Maybe instead of doing the same football field location every year you could try something a little new. Take a look at these general areas your squad can get their photos taken at next season.
1. Rose Gardens
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| Picture from Google Image Search Mostly every state has a beautiful rose garden in it. They are usually located around museums or family landmarks. Have your coach research the availability during the summer! 2. Beach Pictures  If you live close enough to a beautiful beach then you should definitely take advantage of it and have your team photos here. With the beautiful sunsets and waves coming up the sand it would be perfect for poses and candid shots! 3. Local Park
Picture from Google Image Search
A trip to the local park would make a great team photo with all of the spacious grass, and even small ponds to pose around. It has a more natural feel, and makes for a cute outdoory picture.
I hope you love your team photos regardless of the location! It's capturing the memories that matter.
Love,
A Cheerleader
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Friday, January 3, 2014
All Star Cheerleading Cost Breakdown
There's so many girls like myself who are in love with cheerleading and besides doing high school cheer they want a new challenge and more competition so what better thing to do then all star cheerleading? But hold on, we're talking about all stars so we both already know there's gonna be a big cause for that new challenge. Here's a breakdown of what most gyms will charge you.
Tryout Fee: $30-$50
Tuition Fee: $1,400-$2000 (these can usually be paid monthly)
Team Items: $995-$1,4000 (this is for coaches, music, choreography, and sometimes additional practice clothes)
Uniform: $300-$500
Bow: $15-$30
Not only are putting in a lot of money but you're putting at lot of time, so you should make sure you have this time if you plan on making both all star and high school or even if you just want all star you may still be limited with your free time.
All star teams usually practice at least 3 to 4 times a week for 2-4 hours. This could interfere with football and basketball games, homework, pep rallies, etc. If you plan on taking part in both you should talk to your coach and parents about not only your commitment but theirs too.
Love,
A Cheerleader
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