Cheerleading is a sought-after sport for many young girls because they get the opportunity to perform as well as build relationships and increase their confidence. According to Leslie Wilson, author of "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches," if your daughter is interested in trying out for the cheerleading squad, it will take dedication, strength and talent. Learning more about the benefits and requirements of cheerleading will help you prepare your daughter for making the squad.
Benefits
Cheerleading is an entertaining way for your daughter to showcase her athletic skills while also strengthening the school spirit of her fellow students. In addition to being fun, cheerleading can build your daughter's self-confidence by teaching her new things. Cheerleaders also must act as leaders in school, which is another way that your daughter can improve her self-image and build confidence. As a cheerleader, your daughter also will get regular exercise, which benefits all aspects of her well-being.
Requirements
If your daughter hopes to make the cheerleading squad, she will need a certain set of skills to be successful. Athletic ability is necessary because cheerleading is an intense sport. Your daughter will need to project her voice while cheering and chanting, as well as perform well-executed jumps and stunts. If your daughter does not have these talents, consider enrolling her in a cheerleading class, which will give her the beginning skills she needs to make the squad.
Cautions
Safety is a concern if your daughter plans to become a cheerleader. The jumps and stunts required of cheerleading can lead to serious injury if your daughter does not know what she is doing. Regular classes and practice will help her make the squad and prevent injury. Proper shoes also are important because they help support your daughter's weight and reduce the risk of serious injury.
Resources
If your daughter has her heart set on becoming a cheerleader, many resources exist that will help her improve her talents and learn more. Your library and local bookstore likely have several books about how to build skills and hone abilities. Recreation centers and some high schools offer cheer camps and classes for young girls wishing to become cheerleaders. These are often low cost and highly informative. The Internet and magazines devoted to the sport of cheerleading can provide additional information based on where you live and how old your daughter is.
References
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches; Leslie Wilson; 2003
- "Cheerleading: Technique-Training-Show"; Miriam Lopez Hernandez De Alba; 2009
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