Quiz the Coach - Cheerleading Tryouts

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or soccer? Got a gripe about P.E. class, teammates or coaches, or anything? Why not ? The Kidzworld Coach can help ya work out team problems or give ya tips and advice to improve your game - all ya gotta do is ask!

Hey Coach,
Is it a foul when you are reaching for a ball and hit someone in the back of their head?
teetee36117

Hey teetee36117,
This is a tough question because refs call fouls and interpret the rules differently all the time. If a player hits someone in the back of the head while reaching for the ball, it may or may not be called a foul. If a player reaches over top of another player to go after a ball, then a foul should be called. But if a player is reaching for a ball and happens to hit another player in the head at the same time, then the ref may not call a foul. Calling fouls is up to the judgement of the ref and it can be a very difficult job. Some plays could be called either way. That's why you always see coaches, players and fans whining and complaining about the ref.

Hey Coach,
I really want to cheerlead and tryouts are soon. I'm not sure I'm ready. Do you have any tips? I have good rhythm and a loud voice but I am not that flexible and I can't do a cart wheel. Do I even have a chance?
Cheerbabie24

Hey Cheerbabie24,
Rhythm and an energetic voice are just as important to a cheerleading squad as pulling off cartwheels and the splits. If you go to tryouts with enthusiasm and energy, you'll impress the coach and the other members of your squad, even if you're having trouble pulling off those cartwheels. Your coach and teammates can probably give you some tips to improve your flexibility and your tumbles.

Watch some cheerleading videos before tryouts start and think up some new cheers for the team which you can teach to the rest of the squad. Every cheerleading squad has members who are better at different things... some are designated "tumblers" (gymnasts) while some are chosen to be "bases" (the bottom of pyramids and liberties, etc.) while some are small and are thrown in basket tosses, etc. Also, make it clear to the coach, and other teammates, that you are willing to learn new skills and stunts. The point is, don't worry if cartwheels aren't your specialty. You can still make the team with your rhythm, your voice, your positive attitude and a little pizazz.

Do you have a question on sports, P.E. class, rules to sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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