Tryouts can be nerve-wracking, but with the right mindset and preparation, your child can go in feeling confident and ready to shine. Whether they’re trying out for a cheer team, a tumbling program, or a competition squad, these five tips will help them put their best foot forward.

1. Come Prepared
A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure your child:
✅ Knows the tryout requirements (skills, routines, or anything they need to perform).
✅ Wears the right outfit—fitted athletic wear, cheer shoes, and a neat hairstyle.
✅ Brings water and any necessary gear (like grips for bars or a wrist brace if they use one).

If there’s a dance or cheer routine to learn, practicing ahead of time will boost their confidence.

2. Focus on Clean, Sharp Motions
Coaches aren’t just looking for big tricks—they want to see clean technique.
✔️ Tumbling? Stick the landing and keep movements controlled.
✔️ Cheer motions? Keep arms strong and sharp—no floppy movements.
✔️ Jumps? Point the toes and keep legs tight together.

It’s better to do simple skills cleanly than to throw a big skill that’s sloppy.

3. Show Up with a Positive Attitude
Skill is important, but so is attitude. Coaches love athletes who are:
✅ Confident but coachable.
✅ Encouraging to others.
✅ Smiling and giving full effort, even if they make a mistake.

A great attitude can make just as big of an impact as talent!

4. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Mistakes happen, even to the best athletes. The key is how your child handles them.
✔️ If they mess up, encourage them to keep going with confidence.
✔️ Take deep breaths before performing to stay focused.
✔️ Remember that coaches want to see effort and potential—not perfection.

Nerves are normal, but a strong mindset helps them push through.

5. Make a Good First Impression
From the moment they walk in, coaches are paying attention. A strong first impression includes:
✅ A friendly attitude when signing in and greeting coaches.
✅ Good posture and confidence when performing.
✅ Eye contact, clear voice, and enthusiasm when responding to instructions.

These little things help athletes stand out in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts
Tryouts don’t have to be scary! With preparation, confidence, and a positive mindset, your child can walk in ready to do their best. No matter the outcome, remind them that every tryout is a learning experience that helps them grow.