Learning how to a cheerleader takes dedication, practice and a certain set of skills. Many organizations, schools and recreation centers offer classes that teach the basics of cheerleading as well as give you time to hone your skills and receive tips from veteran cheerleaders. Simply going to cheerleading classes is not enough to improve your cheer abilities and become a better cheerleader. You must commit yourself to hard work and getting the most out of your class so you can make the squad, cheer on your favorite team and build support for the players.
Step 1
Pay attention in class. It may seem simple, but listening closely to what your instructors and teachers tell you is the first step towards becoming a better cheerleader.
Step 2
Take notes. Bring a spiral-bound journal and a pen or pencil and write down the things you want to think more about or practice on your own. Draw pictures, if necessary, to show how to do certain stunts or moves and write down the cheers you learn so you can revisit them on your own.
Step 3
Form practice groups. Invite some of your classmates to practice the cheers, moves and stunts you are learning in class. Settle on a day and time and make it a regular part of your week.
Step 4
Meet with your instructor outside of class time. Ask for tips and pointers on things you may not have grasped in class. Ask your teacher to watch your execution of cheers and stunts and give you advice about how to improve. Most of those teaching cheerleading genuinely want you to succeed and will not hesitate to give you some extra guidance if you need it.
Step 5
Ask you teacher or instructor if extra practices can be scheduled for class members who want additional help and insight. If not, schedule some additional practices with some of your classmates who also want to practice more. Hold them at your home or in a park where there is plenty of space to practice.
Step 6
Practice at home. Stand in front of a mirror and practice what you are learning in class. Watch your execution so you can identify what you need to work on as you practice on your own.
Step 7
Check out some books about cheerleading from your local library. Many of these books have step-by-step directions with pictures about how to execute cheer moves and stunts. They also provide tips about how to work well with your team.
Step 8
Volunteer to coach a junior cheerleading squad. This will allow you to teach younger girls how to become a cheerleader and will also give you a valuable opportunity to practice the skills you are learning in your class, notes Leslie Wilson in her book, "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches."
Step 9
Ask veteran cheerleaders what they did when they were first starting out. This insight will help you focus on certain aspects of cheerleading that you feel you need to improve upon.
Step 10
Attend sporting events and watch the cheerleading squads to get some new ideas and see what you have been learning put into action.
References
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches"; Leslie Wilson; 2003
- "Complete Guide to Cheerleading: All the Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration"; Christine Farina, Courtney Clark, Bruce Curtis and Cindy Villarreal; 2011
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