Stunts are an important part of being a cheerleader. Doing stunts adds depth to your cheer performances, but they require a great deal of athletic ability. Practice is crucial to executing awe-inspiring cheerleading stunts and working on your skills at home is one way to hone your stunt abilities. Gather some of your fellow cheerleaders together in your home and be prepared to work hard. Ask a coach or parent to supervise to help prevent injury.
Go Outside
Using your backyard is likely to give you far more space than using your bedroom or rec room. Going outside also gives you enough room for several of your fellow cheerleaders to practice stunts with you. Use a wide open space away from walls, swimming pools, trees or anything else in your yard. Prepare for stunts just as you would in the gymnasium at your school, using caution since there are not mats on the ground. Use your spotters as well to help prevent injury.
Jump On Your Bed
Your parents have likely warned you to not jump on your bed, but many cheer coaches recommend using the edge of your bed because it is soft enough to help you practice the jumping part of your cheer stunts. Stand on the edge of your bed and execute a jump as you would from the ground. This gives you plenty of time to perfect your form and get the exact movements required down. Do not attempt this type of home practice if your bedroom is very small or has a low ceiling because this can lead to serious injury. A trampoline is another option if you have one at your house.
Use The Floor
If your cheerleading squad is working on pyramid formations, using the floor may help you visualize what the stunt will look like in the air. Have each cheerleader take her position as part of the base, middle row or flyer by lying, sitting or crouching on the floor. Have each cheerleader look around at each fellow cheerleader to get a better visual picture of what a stunt should look like. From there, you can work together to execute the stunt normally. If you practice indoors, move furniture or use a large basement to ensure that you have enough room for everyone to move safely and comfortably.
Use Your Computer
If your squad is practicing new stunts, and has received permission from the coach to practice in your home, use the computer. Many websites and online videos allow you watch a certain stunt in action so you are better able to practice it on your own. Watch each video several times and pay close attention to the form, stance and movements of each participant. A clear picture of what a stunt is supposed to look like will help you learn it more effectively.
References
- "Coaching Cheerleading Successfully"; Linda Rae Chappell; 2005
- "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches"; Leslie Wilson; 2003
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