There are many things for you to learn when you start cheerleading, but do not get overwhelmed: Take your time and master the basics. They will become the building blocks for the more difficult skills you will learn as you progress. Practice cheerleading safely. Never stunt or tumble without your coach's supervision. You can safely practice motions and jumps your coach has taught you at home as long as you have a wide open space. Practice every day to master the skills you need.
Motions
Aim for perfection in all of your motions. Practice hard to get your levels correct. At home, stand in front of a mirror so that you can check yourself. All arm motions are parallel to the ground, perpendicular to the ground, or at a 45-degree angle from your body. Never allow your arms to sway behind you in a motion. Stand with your back against a wall and perform your motions. Your arms should never touch the wall. Finally, hit your motions sharply and strongly. Do not float your arms into a motion. Instead, snap them, stopping in the exact position.
Jumps
Jumps can make your cheerleading routines more exciting. Start by learning proper jump preparation and clean finish for your jumps. Rise on your toes with your arms in a high V. Swing your arms down forcefully, crossing them in front of your body. Bend your knees during the downward swing of your arms. This will give you the power you need to execute your jump. Begin your jump as soon as your arms finish their downward swing. As your arms start arcing up into the desired arm motion for the jump, explode off the ground, lifting your legs into the jump position. Land the jump with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Your fists should be alongside your calves. Pause here for two counts before popping out your feet to shoulder-width distance and placing your fists on your hips.
Stunting
Learning to stunt is all about progressions. Master lower level stunts before attempting the more advanced ones. Start by mastering the step-lock technique. Stand behind a base who is in a deep lunge with her right leg bent. Place your right foot in the pocket formed by the base's thigh and hip. Keep your hands on the base's shoulders. With a deep bend of your left knee, push off the ground and step up on your right leg, locking your knee. Dangle your left leg behind the base. Keep your abs pulled in toward your spine and your butt muscles tight.
Presence
All of your cheerleading moves should be done with energy. Your presence on the field, court, or competition mat often is what makes or breaks a performance. Obviously, you should smile, but a flat, plastered-on smile is not what your crowd or judges want to see. Practice facial expressions in the mirror at home. Change up your smile and infuse it with energy. Make eye contact with the crowd as well. Always remain positive in your energy, being careful to avoid appearing arrogant.
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