How to Become a Better Cheerleader

Curry90

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posted on 17 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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There are many things you can do to become a better cheerleader. Or even to make the team. Here is some help for you who are trying out or want to improve your skills.

Steps

Tumbling

Get fit. Run at least twice a week for about 1hour minutes. Do other things like push-ups, crunches, and planks. Also improve your flexibility. Having flexible shoulders, arms, and back will help you a lot with your tumbling. Exercises that can help improve flexibility are snake/seal stretches, bridges, splits, rocking bridges, backbend kickovers, front walkovers, straddle, pancake, and others. Get a spotter. It is good to have a spotter if you can't do a skill,move,or stunt.work on skills you need to improve on or really need to learn something, like a back handspring or tuck.

Buy equipment and practice at home. Mats, handspring machines, octagons, and rebound machines can really help.

Improve your basics. If you have a bad handstand, all your tumbling tricks will have bad landings. A round-off is another basic skill that is one of the most important skills in cheerleading and gymnastics.

Jumps

When you're sitting down watching TV or in the computer, be in the position of a jump. It will really help you.

Improve your flexibility. Look back at step 1 in tumbling for more info.

When jumping, keep tight. Whip your legs and arms as fast and hard as possible, squeeze your muscles, and keep your head straight forwards.

Stunting

If you're a base or spot, you need to be very strong. Lift weights and do push-ups to help improve arm strength. Remember to look at the flyer the whole time, otherwise she could fall and get seriously hurt.

If you're a flyer, practice balance as much as possible, and get flexible. Squeeze your muscles when stunting.

Don't be afraid. Face your fears and just believe in yourself.

Trying out

Smile. Look at the judges/coaches and have a positive attitude.

Practice! Train as much as you can.

Eat healthy.

Facing fears

Remember that falling is part of learning. You will always fall. Be prepared to fall.

Learn how to fall correctly. If you fall forwards, tuck your chin in and roll. If you fall backwards, extend your arms above your head and do a backwards roll or safety roll.