Cheerleading Coaches – Choosing Your Team at Tryouts

It is time for cheerleading tryouts and you will soon be choosing the new cheerleaders for your team. You want only the best since you want your team to shine. You have great plans for your cheer team this year and you need to find the cheerleaders that will be able to work together to achieve those goals. You know that you are looking for girls that will fit in with the style of your team. But what exactly is it that you should be watching for at cheerleading tryouts?

Appearance
The cheerleaders that you choose will portray an image that reflects greatly on your team.
Watch for cheerleaders who have a neat and clean appearance with minimal makeup and properly fitting clothing. Does the cheerleader portray the image you want to put forth?

Voice
One of the most important tools that a cheerleader possesses is her voice. Listen for cheerleaders who know how to yell in a loud, solid voice without screeching or singing. Does the cheerleader enunciate well?

Enthusiasm
Does the cheerleader have a lot of enthusiasm? A cheerleader’s voice should reflect the spirit of the team.
Does she smile? A cheerleader should smile regardless of how nervous, or frustrated she is.
The cheerleader should look like she is having fun out there.

Attitude & Personality
Attitude is probably the most important thing to watch for. A cheerleader with a poor attitude will never be a committed team player and will not reflect the spirit of your team. Look for a cheerleader that is outgoing, confident and friendly. Someone who does not give up easily and continues on with her head held high, even after making mistakes, will be a major asset to your team.

Willing to Try New Things
All the cheerleaders on your team will have to be open to trying new things, whether it is new dance moves or more advanced stunts. Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid and will be willing to put forth the effort into trying something that they have never seen or done before, even if they may not succeed at it right away. A cheerleader that can do only a few stunts but tries hard to learn the new ones is more valuable than the cheerleader who can do many stunts but is unwilling to improve them or learn more.

Leadership
Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid to take control of a situation and are willing to initiate things, not just be a follower.

Team Work
Team work is extremely important as you need your team to work well together. Watch how the cheerleader interacts with others. Does she help another cheerleader out who was having trouble or does she stand aside and mock the teammate? Does the cheerleader speak of “I” or “we”? Does she interact with the other teammates or wish the other girls good luck?

Versatility
A cheerleader who is versatile and can perform many functions within the team is quite valuable. Can the cheerleader be a base or a flier, or is she capable of doing either?

Tumbling & Stunts
If your team will be tumbling and/or stunting, have a minimum level in mind that each cheerleader must meet. Should they know how to do a back handspring? If the cheerleader has not mastered this, how willing is she to try to do so. What you are looking for and what each cheerleader needs to know is up to you and the needs of your team.

Commitment
Look for cheerleaders who are knowledgeable. If you cheer for a school or sports team, look for cheerleaders who have a basic knowledge of the game and also perform well academically as grades may be a factor in the cheerleader being allowed to cheer. Also, look for cheerleaders who are going to be committed. Be up front about all commitments of not only practices and games but any competitions, camps, and community or school activities. It is also important to make the cheerleader aware of any financial commitments that may be necessary. Be sure that the cheerleader is able, and willing, to fulfill these commitments.

Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate each person trying out for the cheerleading squad can really determine the success of your team. Try not to rush your tryouts. Hold tryouts over a span of several days for the best results.

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Cheerleading Shoe Spotlight – Kaepa Crossover

Have you seen Kaepa’s newest cheer shoe, the Kaepa Crossover?

Check it out here and let us know what you think!

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Cheerleading Shoe Spotlight – Asics Gel-Comp II Competition Shoe

Asics newest cheerleading shoe is designed to win.

Check out the Competition and let us know what you think!

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Cheerleading Bags: How to Choose

You have your uniform, poms and your shoes.  Now where are you going to put them?  Show your spirit with a cheer bag.  With so many styles to choose from, there is a perfect option for every cheerleader!  But how do you choose the one that is right for you?  Here is a guide to help you do just that!

When choosing a bag, consider what you are going to be carrying and how the bag will be used.  Will you be carrying just your shell and skirt?  Carrying just your shoes or poms?  Perhaps a pom bag, backpack, or garment bag is all you need.  Or will you be carrying your entire uniform as well poms, a change of clothes, and other accessories?  Then you are in need of a duffel bag.  If you are using your bag just to carry your things to cheerleading practice, then a simple in stock bag may be all you need.  If you are using your bag for games or competitions, a more complex duffel bag may be necessary.

There are many cheerleading bag styles to consider, most depending on personal preference.

Duffel Bag:  The most traditional cheer bag style comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.  The duffel has handles and/or a shoulder strap as well as zipper closure.

Backpack:  Easy on the back, the backpack is worn over both shoulders and has a zipper closure.

Sling Bag:  Similar to a backpack, a sling is worn over one shoulder.

Tote Bag:  Simple bag with carrying straps with zippered or no closure.

Pom Bag:  A bag sized just for a set of pom poms, usually with drawstring closure and shoulder strap(s).

Garment Bag:  Hanging bag used especially for cheerleading uniforms to keep them clean and wrinkle free.

Whatever style you choose, you need to consider the features of the cheerleading bag.  Inner and/or outer pockets may be necessary to carry your water bottle, cell phone, and keys.  Sturdy straps are important as well.  You may even want to consider a bag with a removable shoulder strap, removable inner bags, and a bag with a place for an id tag.

For more on the go tips and must haves, Click Here!

No matter what style you choose, be sure to get it in your team’s colors.  Show your team unity and order matching bags for your team, complete with your school initials embroidered on them.  Most cheerleading bags can be purchased with an in-stock design, customized with a team print, or with no design at all.

Here are our top picks for cheer bags!

Competition Duffel

This sturdy bag is a basic duffel with room for everything.

Custom Pom Pom Bag

With custom colors and tackle twill, your bag is as unique as your team.

The Ultimate Cheerleading Duffel

This bag is the must have for any cheerleader who is on the go with every feature one could need.

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CheerZone Model Spotlight – Amy Q.

CheerZone’s Model Spotlight for March 2010 is on Amy Q, 21.

CZ:  How long have you been modeling?

Amy: 2 Years.

CZ: What are your favorite activities?

Amy: My favorite activities include drawing.  I love to draw my own cartoons.  I also enjoy reading and of course cheerleading.  I was a cheerleader for four years in high school and I still enjoy watching the sport.

CZ: What was your favorite thing about the CZ 2010 photoshoot?

Amy: I really enjoyed making friends with all the girls at the shoot.  I can honestly say it was the most fun I had on a set, everyone was so nice and friendly you couldn’t ask for more.

CZ: What type of music do you like?

Amy: I really enjoy rock music especially from the 70’s.  Give me AC DC, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zepplin I will be happy.

CZ:  What are your hopes for the future?

Amy:  Right now I am a senior in college and I am about to graduate in May. I hope to be working in a hospital as a Surgical Technologist when I am done with school.  My hopes for the distant future is to get married and start a family.

CZ:  What can’t you live without?

Amy:  I can’t live without chocolate, reruns of Friends, ChapStick, and my boyfriend of 7 years, Bryan.

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Cheer Uniforms – Strappy & Sassy Styles for 2010!

The 2010 CheerZone Catalog has arrived and is overflowing with great new looks for your team.

Here is a sampling of what is hot this year!

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Nike Cheer Flash Cheerleading Shoe – 2010 Preview

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