Cheerleading is a physically demanding activity consisting of skills in a variety of areas. Cheerleaders must cheer, dance, jump, tumble, and stunt, all with perfect form. Learning the proper technique behind each cheerleading skill is vital to performing moves with excellence. One technique that can be used in all skill areas is observation. Whether in front of a mirror or with a video camera, observe yourself performing your cheerleading skills so that you can make sure you are using proper technique.
Motion Technique
Aim for perfection in each arm motion. Place your motion in exactly the right spot. In cheerleading motions, your arms are either parallel, perpendicular, at 90 degrees or at 45 degrees. It also is important that you place your motions sharply. Hit the motion on the exact word or count it is choreographed for. A beat late or early is not acceptable. Finally, perform your motions as if you were standing in front of a wall. Do not allow your arms to touch the imaginary wall behind you.
Jumping Technique
Cheerleading jumps should start with a strong jump preparation, be executed with perfect form and end with a clean finish. Start up on the balls of your feet with your arms above your head in a high V motion. Swing your arms down, crossing them in front of your body and bending your knees to get power for your jump. As your arms begin their ascent to the proper motion for the jump you are trying, explode off the ground, lifting your legs to hit the jump. While in the jump, make sure your toes are pointed and use proper form. For example, if you are doing a toe touch, your knees should point up. In a tuck your knees should pull up to your chest instead of your heels hitting your rear end. Land jumps with your knees bent and your fists on your calves. Pause in this landing position before popping your feet out to shoulder-width apart and putting your fists on your hips.
Back Handspring Technique
The most frequently used tumbling skill in cheerleading is the back handspring. As in all other areas of cheerleading, simply being able to throw a back handspring is not good enough. Use these tips to perform a back handspring with beautiful technique: Keep your legs straight and together and allow only a slight arch in your back so that your back handspring can be a powerful tool used to execute another skill after it. Finally, push hard off the ground as your are ending your back handspring, rebounding high into the air. This will help you finish the skill with strength.
Stunting Technique
In stunting there are really only two basic positions: base and top person. While there are several kinds of bases -- main, back and sometimes front -- they all use the same techniques. Bases must remember to initiate the power for their stunting from their legs and butt. Start with a deep dip of your knees and push up with your thighs and then your butt before using your arms in a stunt. Technique for a top person is really about control. Stay in control of your body the entire time. Pull your abdominal muscles in tight and squeeze your butt muscles together to keep your body tight and controlled, making it easier for your bases to lift you.
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