1. Stretch, Strain and Pull
Cheerleading stunts, jumps and flips are a part of the gymnastics part of sports. The gymnastic sports have very high injury statistics. Cheerleaders have a higher rate of pulled and strained muscles than actual gymnasts do. Gymnasts train very intensely and take more time for proper warm-up than do most cheerleaders, which accounts for cheerleaders having more pulled muscles.
2. Free-Falling
Falling from the top of a pyramid or being dropped and hitting a hard floor accounts for many injuries that cheerleaders suffer. Cheerleading is quite dangerous due to the possibilities of falling from so many angles and heights. It is very common for cheerleading flips, tosses and stunts to happen on hard gym floors or asphalt tracks at football games. When a fall happens on these surfaces, it can be serious, such as back and neck injuries. Cheerleaders need to take all actions they do on hard surfaces very seriously to avoid injuries.
3. Do It Again, Do It Again
Training and even over-training is a factor in many cheerleading injuries. All cheerleaders need to practice and train, but when the training goes on for long periods of time, spotters and those assigned to catch and hold during the stunts get tired and accidents happen. Also, practicing and training with pulled and strained muscles is setting the cheerleader up for a more serious injury. It is wise to take time off from practice, wear the appropriate support bandages or braces and then return to practice slowly to build strength again.
4. Don't Flip-Flop on Joint Protection
Cheerleaders seem always to be doing flips and front handsprings. These movements are really tough on the wrists, ankles and knees. Cheerleaders should use wrist supports, ankle wraps, knee braces and any other supportive wrap or brace to protect the joints from strains and breaks.
5. Practice Makes Perfect Hopefully
Getting the basics down to every stunt, cheer, flip, toss and pyramid really helps in preventing injuries in cheerleading. Cheerleading involves a tremendous amount of practice to perfect the timing, the balance and the flexibility that each movement or routine will take. If one person is off, it can result in a chain reaction of falls and injuries. It's important that every cheerleading team have a director and captain that will be frank about the areas that need work. This is for the benefit of the entire squad to perform their best, hopefully injury free.
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