Cheerleading requires proper technique. As a cheerleader, you should spend a great deal of time perfecting proper technique. Everything you do, whether you are cheering, dancing or performing stunts, must be done correctly so it looks good and so your entire squad can perform it uniformly. Spend time individually and as a team working on technique in every area of cheerleading.
Motion Technique
The arm motions you do in cheerleading must be executed with proper technique. Learn the proper placement for all arm motions. Nearly every motion in cheerleading is composed of either a straight line, a 90-degree angle, or a 45-degree angle. All motions should be sharply placed and should hit on the exact word or beat for that motion. Finally, imagine you are standing in front of a wall when you do your motions. Your arms should never extend behind your body to touch the wall. Drill your motions with these proper techniques, while standing in front of a mirror so you can check yourself frequently.
Jump Technique
Jumps make your cheerleading performance more exciting, but to look good, they have to be done with proper technique. Learn the leg motions and the corresponding arm motions for each jump. For example, in a toe touch, your knees must point up and your arms must be parallel to the ground, never reaching for your legs. A good way to practice jump technique is by sitting on the ground in the jump position to perfect it before you attempt it in the air. In all jumps, your toes should be pointed and your eyes should look into the crowd.
Tumbling Technique
Tumbling is another exciting facet of cheerleading. The most important technique in tumbling involves mastering basic skills with perfect form so you can use them as building blocks for more difficult skills. The basic skill at the base of many tumbling skills used in cheerleading is the handstand. Learning proper handstand form helps with your cartwheels, round-offs and back handsprings. Practice your handstand against a wall. Check the placement of your hands -- they should be directly under your shoulders. Pull your abdominal muscles in toward your stomach to hollow out your body. Keep your legs straight and together with your toes pointed. Drill handstand form at every cheerleading workout you do.
Stunting Technique
Many cheerleaders find stunting to be the best part of cheerleading. Because of the propensity for danger that is inherent in stunting, using proper technique is about more than just looking good. Proper technique keeps you safe as well. Stunt only under the supervision of a qualified cheerleading coach, and always use spotters when learning new stunts. Whether you are a base or a top person, you must stay in control of your body. Keep your body tight and consciously controlled. As a base, remember your power comes from your legs and your rear, not from your arms or shoulders. As a top person, focus on keeping a tight core throughout every stunt to help yourself balance. Learn stunts incrementally, mastering basic stunts before attempting more difficult ones.
References
- Varsity: Skills and Drills -- Motions
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Basic Cheerleading Motions
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Cheerleading Jumps
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Excellence Begins with the Basics
- Varsity: Skills and Drills -- Stunting Basics, Secrets to Smooth Stunting
- American Association of Cheer Coaches and Administrators: 2011-2012 School Cheerleading Rules
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