As a cheerleader, your job is to get the school and crowd excited about the team and the game. Basketball is a fast-paced and exciting game that makes your job a bit easier because the crowd is often already excited. No matter how well your basketball team is performing, your squad can show support and build excitement for the upcoming game, as well as for the team itself. Introduce a few new spirit ideas and your basketball team will feel valued and your entire school will be cheering together for a win.
Hold a Spirit Week
Have a week dedicated to supporting the basketball team at the end of the season or before a big tournament. Dedicate each day of the week to a theme and encourage the entire school to take part. Have pajama day, crazy hair day, hat day or school color day. Other ideas include denim day, back to the past day or twin day. Advertise the different days by making posters to hang around the school and by sending fliers home with the students. Make it a contest by challenging the different grades to have the most participation for a prize, such as candy or balloons.
Host a Basketball Competition
Build interest in the sport of basketball, which will help the school lend more support to the basketball team. Have a competition where the varsity team competes against the junior varsity team or the basketball team competes against the coaches or teachers. Have the basketball team play a game against your squad or have a free throw contest with the basketball players. Hold an assembly so the entire school is invited to watch the competition and cheer for favorite players.
Make Banners
Build excitement and anticipation for an upcoming basketball game by making huge banners to hang in the hallways and gymnasium. Use large pieces of paper in your school colors and paint them with portions of cheers, huge basketballs or motivating words. Adorn the posters with curling ribbon, streamers and glitter to make them eye-catching and attractive. Consider making one large banner as a break through banner that the basketball team breaks through when taking the court for the big game.
Have a Pep Rally
A pep rally is an effective way to get your school fired up to support the team at the next basketball game or tournament. Showcase some of your most lively cheers to get the crowd on their feet. Make up a new cheer that encourages the audience to clap, stomp and yell, which will build school spirit, as well as help the basketball team feel valued and important. Give a short description of each basketball player's talents and give them a small good luck gift, such as a sweat band in your team colors or small basketball key chain.
References
- "Coaching Cheerleading Successfully"; Linda Rae Chappell; 2005
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches"; Leslie Wilson; 2003
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