A toe touch is a popular cheerleading jump used in tryouts, cheers, dance routines and competitions. A toe touch requires a straight back, pointed toes and a great deal of flexibility. A toe touch is not a cheerleading move that can be perfected in just one try. Toe touches take practice in order to perfect the move. With proper toe touch form and a variety of practice techniques, you can learn to perform a toe touch properly.
Completing a Toe Touch
Step 1
Stretch. Prior to performing a toe touch, take five minutes to stretch out your body. Complete lunges, hamstring stretches and calf raises. Stretching can help reduce your risk of becoming injured while practicing a cheerleading toe touch.
Step 2
Assume the starting position. Stand up straight with your legs extended and your feet positioned closely together. Keep your hands clasped together in front of your chest and look straight ahead of you.
Step 3
Begin your jump. Bend at your knees while keeping your hands clasped together at chest level. Raise up on to the balls of your feet to jump off the ground. Bring your arms into a "V" position in the air. Your feet will serve to propel you off the ground.
Step 4
Swing your arms in front of your body while lifting your legs out to the side -- much like a split position. Keep your back straight and look forward. Your legs should be at hip level and stretched out as far as you can possibly stretch them. Your arms should make a "T." During a toe touch, your arms and legs will be parallel.
Practicing Your Toe Touch
Step 1
Use a trampoline. Perform your toe touch on a trampoline to help perfect your form. The bounce of the trampoline will allow you to more easily assume an appropriate toe touch position.
Step 2
Hold on to the back of a chair. Place your hands on the back of a sturdy chair and perform the leg motions of the toe touch. This will help you be better able to extend your legs as far out to the side as possible while increasing your flexibility.
Step 3
Ask a friend to help you. Have your friend hold you at your waist as you practice your toe touch. This will help you to perfect your form, increase your height and complete a toe touch with a straight back.
Step 4
Practice in front of a mirror. Look at yourself in the mirror as you practice your toe touch. Looking in the mirror can help to ensure that you are looking straight ahead as you complete your toe touch.
Things You'll Need
- Chair
- Trampoline
References
- Cheerleading Information Center: Toe Touch Cheerleading Jumps
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading"; Leslie Wilson; 2003
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