All About Cheerleading

• Cheerleading is a team activity with dancing, shouting, slogans, stunting, and tumbling to entertain and motivate crowds at sports events.
• A cheer leader is a leader who typically shakes pompoms, shouts loudly, and cheers for the team.
• Cheerleading requires flexibility, strength, agility, courage, and trust.

Evolution of Cheerleading

• The first official cheerleading competition was in 1980.
• Cheerleading competitions now occur at various levels, including local and international.
• Cheerleading incorporated athletic elements such as stunts and tumbling by the 1960s.
• Pom-poms were introduced in cheerleading during the 1930s.
• Early pom-poms were made of paper, but later evolved to plastic and other materials.
• Cheerleading gained recognition as a sport in the 1980s by the NCAA.
• The International Cheer Union received recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2016.
• The first cheerleading squad was established in 1898 at the University of Minnesota.

Cheerleading Positions

• A base is the primary support in stunts, providing strength and stability and provides secure foundation for all movements
• A spotter ensures the flyer's safety during stunts and is positioned to catch the the flyer
• A flyer must possess agility and body control when Preforming stunts
• Trust between the base and spotter is essential for executing complex movements.
• Proper warm-up and conditioning are crucial to minimize injury risks.
• Using safety equipment and practicing on mats enhance overall safety during training.

Techniques in Cheer Dancing

• Establishing center of gravity maintains stability during stunts.
• Shifting weight helps with equilibrium before executing movements.
• Connecting with teammates through eye contact enhances coordination and teamwork.
• Engaging with the audience by maintaining eye contact through your performance.
• Arms support body weight and balance during stunts.
• Various are positions add flair to routines such as High-V and T-Motion,
• Keeping feet close together creates uniform body posture and prevents falls.
• Teams must work together to maintain tight formations for a polished look.

Basic Cheerleading Stunts

• Individual stunts showcase individual skills and techniques.
• Examples of individual stunts include basic jumps and arm motions.
• Dual stunts involve two cheerleaders, with one often spotting.
• Common dual stunts include partner lifts and coordinated movements that require trust and balance.
• Group stunts are executed by multiple cheerleaders, often forming pyramids or intricate formations.
• Teamwork and synchronization are the emphasis with group stunts.

Basic Cheer Motions

• Beginning stance means feet together, hands down by the side in blades.
• Cheer stance is when feet are than shoulder width apart, hands down by the side in blades.
• Clasp is when hands are clasped at the chin, elbows in.
• Clap is when hands are in blades at the chin, elbows in.
• High V has arms extended up forming a "V", relax the shoulders.
• Low V is when the Arms are extended down forming a "V".
• Touchdown is when Arms are extended straight and parallel to each other, fist facing in.
• Low Touchdown is when Arms are extended straight down and parallel to each other, fist facing in.
• Bow and Arrow is when one arm is extended to side with other arm bent at elbow in a half "T".
• Overhead Clasp means arms are straight above the head in a clasp and slightly in front of the.
• Tabletop has arms bent at elbow, fists in front of shoulders
• Low Clasp has arms extended straight down, in a clasp and slightly in front of the body
• Punch has one arm extended straight up, one arm on hip, in a fist
• L motion is when one arm is extended to the side with other arm extended in a punch motion, with the Left L shown.
• Diagonal has one arm extended in a high "V" and the other arm extended in a low V Right Diagonal.
• With the T Motion both arms extended straight out to the side and parallel to the ground, relax the shoulders
• HALFT includes both arms parallel to the ground and bent at the elbows, fists into shoulders
• Side Lunge features the lead leg bent with the knee over the ankle, back kg straight, feet perpendicular to each other
• With a front lunge the lead leg is bent with the knee over the ankle, back leg straight, feet perpendicular to each other

Benefits of Cheer Dancing

• Cheer dancing promotes physical fitness by improving flexibility, strength, and agility.
• Participants develop better overall health and endurance through regular cheer practice.
• Teamwork is fostered through cheerleading, as members trust and communicate to execute routines and stunts.
• Leadership skills are developed through taking on leadership roles in cheer dance.
• Participants ability to guide and motivate others enhances essential leadership qualities such as discipline and responsibility.

Safety Practices in Cheerleading

• A warm-up prepares the body for physical activities.
• Warm-ups should include dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises to increase heart rate and flexibility.
• Focus on executing stunts and movements with the correct form to minimize injury risks.
• Emphasize the importance of body alignment and control during cheerleading activities.
• Ensure that spotters are assisting flyers correctly during stunts.
• Spotters should be positioned correctly to maintain eye contact with the flyer and be ready to provide support if a fall occurs.
• Conclude each practice with a cooling down period to help the body recover.
• Cooling down should involve static stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.
• Regularly review safety protocols and encourage open communication among team members.
• Consistent safety measures protect participants during practices and performances.

Common Cheerleading Injuries and Prevention

• Common injuries include sprains and strains, often resulting from falls or improper landings.
• Fractures and dislocations can occur during stunts, highlighting the need for careful execution.
• Incorporateing warm-up and cool-down routines is crucial to prepare the body and prevent injuries.
• Strength training and flexibility exercises enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
• Proper equipment usage is essential for minimizing injury risks.
• Regular safety drills and first aid training ensure that team members are prepared for emergencies.

Cheerleading as a Team Sport

• Cheerleading emphasizes choreographed routines that combine dance, stunting and tumbling to entertain Sports event crowds
• Cheerleaders do not compete against an opponent but focuses on teamwork & showcasing skills in performances
• Cheerleaders actively engage the audience through chants, Cheers, and visual performances.
• Cheerleaders enhance experience for spectators and distinct team sports that focus on gameplay

Summary of Cheerleading Essentials

• Cheerleading improves physical fitness, and fosters teamwork and self-confidence.
• Key positions include the base, flyer who performs stunts, spotter, and coach who guides the team.
• Paramount safety is using mats during practice and spotters for all stunts to prevent injuries.
• Cheerleading stunts include pyramids, tosses, lifts, and dismounts which focus on safe landing.
• Effective cheerleading requires choreography, synchronization, facial expressions, and maintaining a high energy.