Cheerleaders trying out need proper athletic wear (fitted top, shorts or leggings, and cheer or athletic shoes), basic gear like hair ties and a water bottle, and a routine that's been practiced enough times to run on muscle memory. Beyond the physical checklist, the athletes who stand out are the ones who show up rested, warmed up, and ready to smile through nerves. Here's exactly what to bring and how to prepare, whether this is a first tryout or a repeat one.
What to Wear to Cheer Tryouts
Coaches need to see body lines clearly, so tryout attire should be fitted, not baggy. A good default is a fitted tank or sports bra top with matching shorts or leggings in a solid color (check with the gym or school first — some tryouts specify a color or style). Avoid anything with large logos, oversized team gear from another program, or jewelry that could catch during stunts or tumbling.
Footwear matters more than most first-timers expect. Cheer shoes are built for lateral movement, quick pivots, and landing support in a way running shoes aren't. If a new athlete doesn't have cheer shoes yet, any clean, supportive athletic sneaker will work for a single tryout — but it's worth budgeting for real cheer shoes before the season starts.
Cheer Gear and Equipment to Bring
A tryout bag doesn't need to be complicated, but a few things make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one:
- Hair ties, bobby pins, and a small brush — hair needs to be fully secured off the face and neck
- A labeled water bottle
- A light snack if tryouts run long (granola bar, fruit, pretzels)
- An extra hair tie or two in the bag in case one breaks mid-stunt
- Deodorant and a small towel for between rounds
- Any paperwork the gym or school requires (registration form, waiver, tryout fee)
If tryouts include tumbling or stunting, ask ahead of time whether kneepads or grip is allowed or expected — some programs allow them, others want to evaluate raw skill without extra support.
Hair and Grooming for Tryout Day
Hair should be pulled back tight enough to survive jumps, stunts, and tumbling passes without falling into the athlete's face. A high, secure ponytail or bun is the standard. Skip fresh manicures with long nails (they can affect grip and stunt safety), and keep makeup minimal and natural unless the tryout specifically calls for competition-style hair and makeup.
Mental and Physical Prep Before Tryouts
Physical readiness starts days before tryout, not the morning of. A few habits make a real difference:
- Practice the material cold. Run the tryout combo, jumps, and cheer without music or a mirror a few times so it's not dependent on visual cues.
- Sleep and hydrate. A tired body loses jump height and tumbling power fast — prioritize sleep the two nights before, not just the night before.
- Eat a real meal beforehand. A light meal with protein and carbs 1–2 hours before tryouts beats skipping food or eating something heavy right before.
- Warm up on arrival. Cold muscles are a common reason athletes miss jumps or tumbling they normally hit. A few minutes of dynamic stretching and light cardio before check-in helps.
Nerves are normal — even experienced athletes get them. Coaches are usually looking for coachability, effort, and a positive attitude as much as raw skill, especially for younger or recreational squads.
What Not to Bring or Wear
Skip anything that isn't functional for tryout day: dangling jewelry, loose hair accessories, new shoes that haven't been broken in, or gum (a real safety issue during stunts and tumbling). If the tryout has a dress code, following it exactly shows attention to detail — something coaches do notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cheerleader wear if they don't own cheer shoes yet?
Any clean, supportive athletic sneaker works for a single tryout. Save the investment in real cheer shoes for after the athlete makes a team and knows their size and gym's preferences.
Do tryouts usually include tumbling?
It depends on the program. Recreational and school squads may only require jumps, a cheer, and a dance. Competitive all-star gyms almost always include a tumbling and stunting evaluation, so check the tryout requirements in advance.
How early should an athlete arrive for tryouts?
Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in, warm up, and settle nerves without rushing. Arriving right at start time often means skipping the warm-up that helps prevent injury and missed skills.
What if my cheerleader doesn't make the team?
Not making a team on the first try is common and doesn't reflect long-term potential — many athletes try out more than once before landing a spot. Ask the coach for specific feedback so practice time between now and the next tryout is well spent.
Once tryouts are behind you, the next step is getting your athlete set up with the gear, apparel, and confidence-boosting extras that make the season easier — for related reading, see How Much Does Cheer Gear Really Cost? A Parent's Guide and What to Pack for Your First Cheer Competition.
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