How To Keep Your Balance In Cheerleading

Cheerleading combines the physical intensity of a sport with the artistic beauty of dance and gymnastics. Part of what makes cheerleading so entertaining is a cheerleading squad's ability to perform complicated stunts and formations. These stunts require impeccable balance on the part of each cheerleader -- especially those involved in flying stunts. A good sense of balance helps the flyer perform her stunt correctly and ensures the spotters can properly catch her without tumbling over themselves. Practicing balance-building techniques helps cheerleaders keep their balance on the field when it matters most, preventing falls and injuries.

Step 1

Perform balance exercises, such as standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and shifting your weight from one leg to the other. Stand on a pillow while keeping one leg raised and holding your position for as long as possible to help you improve your balance.

Step 2

Incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Strength reduces the strain cheerleaders feel during stunts, allowing them to place greater focus on their balance.

Step 3

Practice your stunts repeatedly before performing them on the field. The more you practice, the more accustomed you become to the requirements of the stunt -- including balance.

Step 4

Shift your weight to your heels during stunts. It is more difficult to maintain your balance when supporting your weight with your toes and the front of your body than shifting your weight to your heels and ankles.

Step 5

Hold your arms out to the side to center yourself when practicing stunts that require balance, such as the arabesque. Holding your arms out horizontally helps you shift your center of gravity quickly and prevent a fall until you become accustomed to the stunt. Once you're accustomed to the stunt, you can attempt holding your arms in different positions.

Step 6

Perform yoga. Yoga helps improve balance through a variety of stretches, postures and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Tips and Warnings

While the cheerleaders known as "flyers," who are hoisted into the air by other cheerleaders, require the most balance, good balance benefits all cheerleaders -- even those who only perform solo stunts.
Never perform a new stunt without a spotter -- no matter how confident you are in your balance. A spotter can help you avoid severe injury or even death if something goes wrong.