Tryout day is only part of how a college cheer team gets picked. Coaches are filling specific stunt positions, judging people they’ll work with for a full season, and often watching recruits for months before a final decision. Several programs spell this out in their published tryout and recruitment materials. This guide uses those documents […]
How to Film a Cheer Tryout Video That Coaches Notice
Many college cheer programs now start tryouts with a video. Florida’s 2026-27 tryout began with a virtual highlight reel. South Carolina, San Diego State, Arizona, Texas Tech, Missouri and Western Kentucky all used a video round before inviting candidates to campus. Others, such as Virginia Tech and UCLA, accept video from candidates who can’t attend […]
Cheer Tryout Mistakes That Get You Cut Instantly
You can train for months and still lose your spot to something that has nothing to do with skill: a late form, a video link the coaches can’t open, or a necklace you forgot to take off. College tryout packets are full of rules like these, and several say plainly what happens if you break […]
Best Cheer Mats for Home Practice vs Competition: Complete Guide
The right cheer mat depends on what you’re practicing and where. A mat for stretching and motions at home is a very different product from the surface you’ll compete on. This guide explains the main types of home practice mats, what a real competition floor is, and how to choose safely. Quick Comparison Feature Home […]
Nfinity vs Kaepa Cheer Shoes (2026): Models, Weights and Prices Compared
Nfinity and Kaepa both make shoes built only for cheer, but their lineups are different. Nfinity’s shoes cost more and include several of the lightest models either brand lists. Kaepa’s lineup costs less, and its cheapest sideline shoes are built for any surface. This comparison uses each brand’s own product pages, so you can match […]
Cheer Bows 2026: Sizes, Rules and Where to Buy
Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, CheerleadersLife earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We haven’t tested these bows. Sizes and prices come from each retailer’s product pages. A cheer bow finishes your uniform, but it also has to stay put through stunts, jumps and […]
Cheerleading for Beginners: Types, Positions, First Skills and Safety
New to cheerleading, or researching it for your child? This guide explains the main types of cheer, the positions on a team, the first skills to learn, what gear you need and how to start safely. Cheer is popular: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says more than 3.5 million young people take part, most […]
How to Be a Better Flyer in Cheerleading: Technique, Body Positions and Safety
Flyers get the spotlight, but good flying is mostly about helping your bases. A flyer who holds their own weight, stays tight and stands in the right place is easier to lift and hold, no matter their size. This guide is for flyers who want to improve their own technique. If you’re a coach building […]
Cheerleading Tryout Tips: How to Stand Out and Make the Team
Cheerleading Tryout Tips: How to Stand Out and Make the Team Standing out at a cheer tryout isn’t about doing the hardest skill in the room. It’s about scoring well on what the judges are actually told to look for. Many college programs publish those criteria in their tryout packets, and some publish their scoring. […]
Best Cheerleading Bags for Competition Day 2026 (+ Packing List)
Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, CheerleadersLife earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We haven’t tested these bags. Sizes, features and prices come from each brand’s or retailer’s product page. On competition day you’re carrying a uniform, shoes, a bow, hair and makeup supplies, […]