Cheerleading should be about having a positive and supportive attitude, spirit and enthusiasm. No question about that. But there is also a tremendous physical aspect to it. The following pages will give you the low-down nitty gritty step-by-step how-to on the most essential elements that every cheerleader on our squad should do their best to master. We don’t expect perfection. We expect effort for their personal best.
A word to the wise, if your child is going to be a cheerleader they need to grow a thick skin!! If your coach comes into your house and straightens out a crooked picture hanging on your wall, would that make you cry? Of course not! And the same should go if (s)he or another team member straightens out your child’s high V, or toe touch, or dance moves. Don’t take constructive criticism personally, but please do listen to it and learn from it.
Finally, as important as all of the cheer skills are, don’t ignore the academic side of things. Homework before cheer. End of story. We will do our best to accommodate homework schedules.
Some easy and free ways to help your kids:
Have you child imagine performing all of their skills successfully.
If they are the type to get nervous performing for a crowd, practice with an audience of friends and family watching so that they get used to being in front of people.
Before show time, have your child try taking some deep breaths and then do their thing like no one is watching.
Remember, our bodies don’t know the difference between nervousness and excitement. The physical processes are the same. So any time they feel nervous, try to convince them that they are actually excited by listing things that really get them pumped up.
Have all your signed waivers and permission forms in your hand ready to turn in when the coach asks for them.
Hair should be pulled back away from the face at all practices and competitions and showcases.
Please wear clothing that is easy to move in to practice. Blue jeans do not count!
When spiriting onto the floor, don’t yell, “Woooo!” Audiences and Coaches and Judges really don’t like that. Instead, try saying things like, “Let’s go (team)! We’re, Number one! All right! Go get ‘em!”
Make sure they are projecting with a loud, low-ish voice from your stomach instead of screeching from your throat.
Smile, smile, smile! Show that enthusiasm and pep!
Keep motions tight, and snap them into place.
Be enthusiastic about trying new things. “Can’t” is not in our vocabulary, but “I’ll try” is. (Unless it would be dangerous, such as throwing a back tuck when you have never done one.)
If they or you don’t understand something, ask!
If they make a mistake, pick up the next move and keep going!
Make eye contact with the crowd. Exude confidence!
If your child still isn't feeling confident, talk to other cheerleaders and the coach and see what they have to say.
Cheerleaders are ambassadors for the community. As a cheerleader, they should be proud of our community and ready to volunteer. What community volunteer work would you suggest the cheerleaders do this year? What other spirit-boosting ideas do you have?
