All-Star Tryouts?

[cheerobsessionx]

Long time reader, first time poster 

I need advice. I'm trying out for an all-star team on December 1st through December 3rd, (it's for half the season. the team is formed to cheer from December to April, and then if you like it, you tryout again for the whole season.)

The website for the team says they don't know what skill level it'll be, it depends on who comes to tryouts.
So what should I work on to be prepared?

This is my first time cheering since Kindergarten, and I'm now in 9th.
My jumps are fairly good, my motions are strong, and I cannot tumble.

Thank-You in advance!!

[melanie8923]

Good luck on your tryouts!  As an all star coach, I would suggest maybe getting into some privates or a tumbling class as that will be what determines what level the team is going to be.

Also, check to see if the gym has an open gym and get to know some of the athletes that are on the team and get them to work with you during open gym.

Hope this helps!

Melanie

[melpv1]

All-Stars, like all cheerleading, really requires you to SELL the routine.  Work on looking happy and excited but not fake while you dance, jump, etc.  Try to put multiple jumps together.  Many all-star teams do 2 or 3 toe-touches in a row (some with continual approaches in between, some without), but you can also try a toe-touch, right hurdler, left hurdler combo or something like that.  Although tumbling can help you get on a higher level team, tumbling isn't everything, even in all-star.  I am 32 and CANNOT tumble, but I have cheered on Open Level 6 all-star teams for the last 5 years and am doing it again this year.  The most important skill ANY cheerleader can have is a great work ethic.  If you listen to your coaches, do exactly what they tell you, and show improvement, there's a great chance that you'll make a team.  And remember, you can always be moved up to a higher level team as the season progresses if you improve as you get more training.

Good luck!!!!