Whether you are cheering at basketball or football, you can use the break between first and second half to entertain your crowd. If you impress your crowd during halftime, you are likely to have more of their attention after the half. Showcase your strongest, most exciting skills in your halftime routines, making sure that whatever you choose to do involves the crowd by use of signs, crowd-response cheers or even clapping along with music.
Cheers with Stunts
Halftime is a great time for performing one of your longer cheers with a stunt incorporated into it. Choose only stunts your squad has mastered. Make sure you can hit the stunt nine out of 10 times in practice before performing it at a game. Incorporate signs to get the crowd to yell with you during the cheer. Sign holders can be cheerleaders in front of the stunt or the fliers of the stunts. Include jumps and tumbling to up the excitement level of your performance. Do not forget to choreograph the dismount. Consider choreographing the dismount into the cheer and ending in a sharp formation.
Music Routines
One of the best times to showcase a routine set to music is during halftime. Make sure the game's announcer knows that the cheerleaders will be performing a special routine at halftime so it can be announced. Choose music that is current and timely to engage the crowd. Music routines are very conducive to poms, so use them to add a little more flash to your dance moves. Stunts, tumbling, jumps and signs all go great in music routines. Shout out the name of your team mascot, or even parts of the lyrics to encourage the crowd to get involved.
Tumble Offs
If you have two or three really strong tumblers, a tumble off can be a great way to get the crowd revved up. Have your strong tumblers perform a round-off and then as many back handsprings as they can. Get other cheerleaders to lead the crowd in counting out the number for each tumbler. Consider having each tumbler represent a section of the crowd and throwing candy to the winning section. Another way to run a tumble off is to have each tumbler perform her best pass and allow the crowd to "vote" with cheering for the best pass.
Faux Pas
Avoid these absolute no-nos of halftime routines. Do not go over. You should finish your routine well before the players return to the court or field. Consider all of the consequences of your halftime routine. For example, if you plan to turn out the gym lights and use a black-light for a portion of your routine, make sure the lights will come back on quickly. Do not make a mess that will delay resuming the game. Finally, sound check your music before each and every game. Even if you are using a track you have used before, check sound levels and make sure your music medium is compatible with that day's setup.
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