In cheerleading, jumps add excitement and difficulty to your cheers, dances and routines. They are also a great way to celebrate a score or win by your team. During practice you should work to perfect your jumps, performing only those jumps that you have solidly mastered. Remember, a strong jump preparation, good jump form, and a clean finish are essential to a well-performed jump.
Jump Preparation
A strong jump preparation will give you the height and power you need for your jump. Start up on your toes with your feet together and your hands above your head in a high V motion. Swing you arms down, crossing them in front of your body, as you bend deeply with your knees initiating the power for your jump. As your arms pass the point of perpendicular to the ground, lift them up into the designated arm motion for the jump you are executing as you explode off the ground, lifting your legs into the jump.
Tuck
A tuck jump is a beginner jump that all cheerleaders should know. It is completed in a tucked body position with your knees pulled in toward your chest and you feet pointing at the ground. Avoid the common tuck jump pitfall of simply kicking your heels up to hit your rear end. In a tuck jump, you should keep your chest upright and your eyes focused on the crowd. Your arms should execute a high V motion overhead in this jump. Arm motion variations include executing a T motion with arms straight out to the sides or punching both arms straight out in front of you.
Toe Touch
The toe touch is a classic cheerleading jump that is more advanced than a tuck jump. To learn the proper jump position for a toe touch, sit on the ground with your feet straddled and your knees pointing up to the ceiling. Extend your arms straight out to the sides and parallel to the ground. Keep your torso straight. When hitting this position in the air, it is important that your arms stay parallel to the ground. Do not reach for your feet. Instead, lift your legs up toward your arms, even hyperextending your straddle position as your legs pass horizontal and cross behind your arms.
Clean Finish
A clean finish will polish off any jump and help you end it strongly, showing you have control of your jump. Land a jump with your feet together and your knees slightly bent. Your fists should be alongside your calves and your chest should be angled slightly forward. Keep your torso very straight with your abdominal muscles pulled in tight. Hold this position for two counts before popping your feet out to shoulder width apart and placing your fists on your hips for your clean finish.
Member Comments