Are You Cheerleader Material?

Although many might consider cheerleading a pastime, it is actually quite a grueling sport. Cheerleading is no longer just a popularity contest, it is a full out competitive sport. Cheerleading takes a lot of athleticism, composure, endurance and patience. Cheerleading is not for everyone. It is not just standing on the sideline yelling "Go Team Go". Cheerleading is a very physical activity that requires skill and ability. It can take years of practicing to build up strength, endurance, flexibility and stamina. Many girls start tumbling at a very early age to prepare themselves for a future in cheerleading.

A "good" cheerleader should possess enthusiasm, it is a cheerleader's job to rally a crowd and get them excited when watching their team play. Attitude and personality are also key components of being a cheerleader. No one likes a bad attitude, it will most likely bring the team down and a crowd doesn't want to watch someone with a bad attitude. Leadership skills are a must in cheerleading. You have to be able to take control of any situation and lead your teammates. A cheerleader must be versatile and stand out in a crowd. Performing multiple duties on the squad is also a nice quality to have.

It is important for a cheerleader to focus on the task at hand. If something is bothering you, forget about it, at least until after the game. A cheerleader must show their strength at all times, leave the weaknesses at the door. Cheerleading is something that may not come naturally to everybody. Don't force it, if it's something you're not interested in don't do it.

I participated in cheerleading from the time I was in fifth grade all through high school. I also played other sports, but cheerleading was by far the most challenging. Cheering through an entire football game at times was grueling. Lifting other girls your size was a challenge and it required a lot of practicing and strength training. I trained harder for cheerleading than for basketball, volleyball and track. Cheerleading also requires a closer connection between you and your teammates. A lot of trust is demonstrated, you have to fully trust in the people lifting you eight foot in the air in front of 250 people, talk about nerve racking!

A few tips when trying out for cheerleading:

· Practice makes perfect, literally. Practice your jumps, perfect your jumps. Practice cheering, this is an art that you will develop with lots of practice, cheering is not just yelling at the top of your lungs.

· Always be prepared. If something goes wrong in your routine, keep going and smile. This shows that you're versatile and can handle whatever might happen, whether it's good or bad.

· Be outgoing and friendly. Show your school spirit. Let the coaches know you mean business and you are exactly the type of cheerleader that they need on their squad.

· Above all, have fun.