1. Skill Level and Technical Mastery:

At the onset of tryouts, prioritize the level of expertise and technical know-how. It’s a given that not every aspirant will be a veteran cheerleader, and there may be a few newcomers needing more guidance than others. Regardless, the collective proficiency of your team plays a pivotal role in dictating your overall performance throughout the season.

• Gymnastic Ability: This includes cartwheels, round-offs, backbends, back handsprings, tucks, layouts, and fulls. Not every cheerleader needs to be an expert gymnast, but a basic understanding of gymnastics can provide a solid foundation.
• Stunting Skills: A cheerleader’s ability to either base or fly effectively is crucial. They should demonstrate strength, balance, and timing, whether they’re hoisting a teammate into the air, holding a formation steady, or executing precise moves in the air.
• Dance Technique: Dance is a fundamental aspect of cheerleading routines. Cheerleaders should exhibit understanding of rhythm, coordination, and the ability to follow choreography. They should be able to perform steps with precision and grace.

2. Precision in Execution:

Although precision may seem tricky to teach, its presence is highly distinguishable. A cheerleader who can demonstrate sharp, neat movements is a gem, even if their stunt performance needs further refinement. Over time, you’ll find polishing other aspects of your cheerleaders’ performances becomes simpler when they’re adept at the fundamental motions.

3. Elevation and Form in Jumps:

When assessing a tryout, my evaluation of jumps goes beyond mere height. I look for the degree of extension, referring not to how high a cheerleader leaps, but how elevated their legs are. Another critical factor is maintaining pointed toes during a jump. The habit of flexing toes during a jump can detract from a well-executed high jump with excellent extension, causing it to appear sloppy.

4. Infectious Energy:

Even a technically perfect cheerleader can become a dampener on the competition floor or the sidelines without genuine enthusiasm. Make sure each cheerleader understands the value of exuding high energy levels and cheering passionately for the school’s teams. This enthusiasm should contribute significantly to their tryout scores. Consider dedicating a section on the score sheet for evaluating a cheerleader’s spirit and zeal.

1. Prior Cheerleading Experience: While previous experience can be beneficial, it’s not everything. Passion, willingness to learn, and natural athletic ability can often outweigh experience. Coaches shouldn’t disregard newcomers who show potential.

2. Perfection in Execution: While it’s essential to evaluate skill levels and techniques, remember that tryouts are a stressful environment, and even the most seasoned cheerleaders can make mistakes. Look for resilience and the ability to recover gracefully from errors.

3. Body Type or Physical Appearance: Cheerleading is for everyone, regardless of body shape or size. Coaches should focus on athletic ability, skill level, and potential rather than physical appearance. Team spirit and performance know no size or body type.

4. Social Popularity: A cheerleader’s popularity in school or community should not impact their evaluation. The cheerleading team is not a popularity contest; it’s about teamwork, spirit, and athletic ability.

5. Immediate Mastery of Advanced Skills: Not all cheerleaders will come in with advanced tumbling or stunt skills, and that’s okay. Coaches should focus on the potential for improvement and the cheerleader’s willingness to learn.