Cheerleading requires a special type of dedication to your home team, as well as a certain set of physical abilities that allow you to perform cheers and execute stunts. One of the most important components of any cheerleading squad is the bond you form with your fellow cheerleaders. Teamwork is a crucial aspect of a successful squad and is necessary to building team spirit. Additionally, finding ways to cheer your team on outside of the court or off the field is just as important as performing proper cheers, jumps and stunts.
Creating Interesting Performances
The same old cheers and dance routines are unlikely to have the crowd on their feet yelling and cheering along with you. Your cheerleading squad needs to constantly introduce new cheers and routines that build interest in the team and get the crowd riled up and excited about their team. Brainstorm different ideas and put some of them into action. For example, you can try different squad formations other than a straight line or use props, such as team pennants or large pieces of posterboard decorated with words such as "GO!," "FIGHT!" and "WIN!" Attach elastic to your pom-poms and throw them out toward the crowd, snapping them back for a jaw-dropping performance. Inviting crowd members to come down and cheer with your team is another way to build crowd support.
Building Squad Unity
You rely on your squad members for safety while performing cheers and stunts, but you must also form a friendship that extends outside of your cheerleading activities. Many cheerleading squads attend cheer camp to learn new techniques and engage in team-building activities. If going to a camp isn't in your budget, consider performing group activities. Make matching hair ties or get matching sparkly shoelaces; paint each other's faces with your mascot before games. Also, to build camaraderie, do things together, such as bowling, shopping or going to a movie, that do not have anything to do with cheerleading. This will help your team members learn more about each other personally.
Building School Spirit
One of your primary responsibilities as a cheerleader is to build school spirit so that everyone supports the team and the school. Hold assemblies where you showcase your cheers and stunts while also getting the school excited for an upcoming game or tournament. Wear your cheerleading uniform to school on the day of the big game and visit different classrooms to perform short cheers or teach easy chants you plan on using at the game. If your budget allows, pass out spirit gifts, such as pom-poms in your school colors, foam fingers or even candies that are the same colors as your school colors.
Fundraising
Raising money is one of the most important responsibilities you have outside of leading cheers and learning routines. The money you raise helps pay for uniforms, camps and other supplies needed to have a successful squad. While bake sales or candy sales are some of the most common ways to raise money, consider holding a cheer-a-thon where participants earn donations based on how much time they spend cheering. You can also reach out to local businesses; many restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds for one day to a school or organization if you agree to get your supporters to eat there during a specific time period.
References
- "Coaching Cheerleading Successfully"; Linda Rae Chappell; 2005
- "Complete Cheerleading"; Justin Carrier and Donna McKay; 2006
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