The sport of cheerleading has progressed far beyond the pom-pom shaking pep squads of old. Today, cheerleading is highly acrobatic, superbly choreographed and presented not on the sidelines of a football field, but on the stage in front of packed arenas. Cheerleaders don't always root for the home team, but are the home team themselves. Getting started in this intense sport takes strength, flexibility, fitness, tumbling training, dance skills and lots of practice.
Step 1
Enroll in tumbling classes at an early age if you want to reach the elite level of cheerleading. Many girls and boys begin gymnastic training before preschool. Add dance classes to the mix, and you have an even better chance at making a top level cheerleading team in the future.
Step 2
Research local cheerleading studios in your area to find out where the best training is offered. Look in the yellow pages, community magazines, community center bulletin boards and local YMCAs for contact information about cheerleading facilities. Call various studios with a list of questions concerning levels offered, specific skills taught, competition calendar, tuition fees and additional costs. Ask for parent references to learn more before you make your decision of where to register.
Step 3
Learn and refine as many tumbling tricks as you can, once you are enrolled at a studio. Cheerleading.isport.com states that most teams require a basic skills set in tumbling tricks, and the more you have the better. The most sought after competitive cheerleaders can do walk-overs, handsprings, tucks and lay-outs. You should also learn to be a base, supporting another cheerleader who is called a flyer. If you plan on being a flyer, you need to work on balance, flexibility and strength. All cheerleaders should practice dancing. Consult with your coach regarding your objectives, and how you will work within the team.
Step 4
Engage in cross training to improve your fitness and endurance. Choose an enjoyable activity, such as swimming, wall climbing, biking, lacrosse or martial arts. The extra work will help you physically, and the break from all things "cheerleader" will benefit you mind, and help save you from burn out.
Step 5
Work on your showmanship to become a competitive cheerleader. Eteamz.com/cheerleading/instruction/tips suggests that judges want to see big smiles, personality and crowd pleasing. Watch cheerleading championships on television in order to see how the top national squads perform for their audiences, so you can learn how to project yourself as a competitive cheerleader.
Tips and Warnings
- Save your money for training, uniforms and competitions. Cheerleading is not a cheap sport, especially when it reaches the highly competitive level. Get the inside scoop from former cheerleaders on what competition is really like. They will likely share valuable information regarding pressures, intense training sessions and injuries. Weigh the pros and cons before becoming, or allowing your child to become a competitive performer.
- As with any sport, cheerleading has its risks for injury. There are often minor falls, bumps, bruises, sprains and even broken bones. Make sure your cheerleading studio employs safety measures.
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