Accessories, Equipment, and More: Cheerleading 101

Cheerleading is more than just pom-poms and spirited shouts; it's a dynamic sport that blends athleticism, precision, and teamwork. From gravity-defying stunts to intricate dance routines, cheerleading demands strength, flexibility, and a whole lot of heart, and if you're looking to dive into the exciting world of cheer, there are plenty of things to learn.

The History of Cheerleading

Though it's often thought of as a women's sport, cheerleading as we know it today started with men. In the late 1800s, it began as an organized way for male students to lead crowds in cheering for their university sports teams, particularly football. The first recorded cheer came from a student named Johnny Campbell at the University of Minnesota, who led the crowd in a chant at a football game in 1898.

It wasn't until the early 20th century that women began to get involved. By the 1920s, cheerleading squads were a common sight at high schools and colleges across the United States. Over time, the introduction of megaphones, gymnastics, and dance elements progressively moved the activity closer to the high-energy sport we recognize today. And in the 1970s, the rise of competitive cheerleading solidified cheerleading's place as a serious sport for decades to come.

Getting Started: Building Your Cheerleading Foundation

Cheerleading is about being strong, agile, and disciplined and cooperating with your team. If you're serious about becoming a cheerleader, you can start training your body and mind to prepare for the journey ahead.

Stay Active, Stay Fit

Cheerleading is a full-body workout. You'll be jumping, tumbling, lifting, and holding poses, all of which require physical preparation and training.

• Endurance: Running, swimming, dancing, or even regular brisk walks can help build the stamina you'll need to power through practices and performances without getting winded.
• Flexibility: Regular stretching, holding stretches for 20 to 30 seconds, will gradually increase your range of motion. Think of it like a daily warm-up for your body.
• Strength: Whether you're a base lifting flyers or a flyer holding a perfect body position, strength is key. Strength training exercises like planks, squats, and push-ups are great for building overall strength, as are other exercise routines that target your core, arms, and legs.

Learn the Lingo

Every sport has its own language, and cheerleading is no exception. Understanding standard terms will help you pick up routines faster and communicate effectively with your teammates and coaches.

Stunting Positions:

• Base: The cheerleaders who support and lift the flyer during stunts and pyramids
• Flyer: The cheerleader who is lifted into the air during stunts
• Spotter: The cheerleader responsible for the flyer's safety, preventing falls and injuries during stunts

Stunt Maneuvers:

• Cradle: A soft landing where bases catch a flyer after a stunt, usually in a hollow body position
• Extension: Stunts where a base holds the flyer's feet while keeping fully extended arms overhead
• Liberty (Lib): A one-legged stunt where the flyer balances on one straight leg, with the other leg bent and the foot at knee level

Popular Jumps:

• Hurdler: A jump where one leg is extended straight forward and the other is bent at the knee, with the foot tucked in
• Pike: A jump where both legs are extended straight forward, parallel to the ground, with arms reaching for the toes
• Toe Touch: A jump where both legs are brought out to the sides, parallel to the ground, while forming a "T" shape with the arms

Essential Cheerleading Gear

Having the right equipment not only helps you perform your best but also keeps you safe. Once you join a cheerleading team, you'll want to start putting together the right equipment and keeping it in good shape.

Cheerleading Uniform

While you might not need a full uniform for practices or tryouts, it's good to know what to expect once you start participating in live events with the rest of the team. A typical cheerleading uniform consists of a shell top (sleeveless top) and a skirt or pants, often made of stretchy, durable material for ease of movement. A long-sleeved bodysuit might be worn underneath the shell for colder weather or practices.

Cheer Shoes

Shoes are arguably the most critical piece of your equipment. Cheerleading shoes are designed specifically for the sport and offer the right balance of support, flexibility, and grip.

• Comfort and Support: Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to absorb the impact from jumps and tumbling.
• Flat Sole: Many cheer shoes have a relatively flat, smooth sole, which is especially important for flyers, as it makes it easier and safer for bases to grip their feet during stunts.
• Lightweight and Flexible: You'll want shoes that are light enough not to weigh you down and flexible enough to allow for precise footwork and tumbling.
• Grip: Non-slip soles are crucial for stability, especially on polished gym floors.

Pom-Poms

Pom-poms are an essential accessory for most cheerleading performances, adding visual flair and helping to amplify the routine's energy. They come in various sizes and materials, with plastic strands in gold or silver being the most common because of their durability and eye-catching look.

Other Accessories

Keeping hair out of your face is not just about looking neat; it's also about safety, which is why a secure ponytail holder is a must. Many cheerleaders also wear a cheer bow, a large decorative bow typically worn at the crown of the head. It's a fun way to show team spirit and complete the cheerleading look.

However, keep in mind that most other accessories you might usually wear, like gold bracelets, necklaces, or body jewelry, should be taken off during practices and performances. This is for your own safety: It's far too easy to accidentally catch your fingers in someone's bracelet or necklace or have a piercing get ripped out while you're executing quick, physical cheer maneuvers.

Athletic Wear for Practice

For practices, comfort and freedom of movement are key. Opt for semi-fitted athletic wear, loose enough to allow a full range of motion without being so baggy that it could get caught during stunts. Think leggings or athletic shorts paired with a comfortable T-shirt or tank top.

Beyond the Basics: Developing Your Cheer Skills

Practice, Practice, Practice

"Practice makes perfect" isn't just a catchy phrase; it's the truth at the core of cheerleading. Regular practice is essential for developing muscle memory, perfecting techniques, and building confidence.

• Drill Your Basics: Before tackling complex routines, master the fundamental moves, jumps, and less complex stunts. Consistency in the basics will make learning more advanced skills much easier.
• Learn Choreography: Cheerleading routines involve intricate dance and motion sequences. You can practice learning and remembering choreography by breaking down routines into smaller segments and recording videos to review later.
• Be Responsible: The more you practice, the better you'll become at picking up new routines quickly, but never try to teach yourself stunts, tumbling, or any activity where you can hurt yourself. There will be a time to learn and train these things in a secure environment with supervision and guidance.

Attend a Cheerleading Camp or Clinic

Online videos and tutorials are great starting points, but nothing beats in-person instruction. Cheerleading camps and clinics can offer invaluable lessons to accelerate your growth via:

• Expert Feedback: Trained coaches can provide personalized feedback on your technique, helping you correct mistakes and improve faster.
• Safe Stunting Environments: Stunts should never be attempted without professional guidance and proper spotting. Camps provide a secure and supervised environment to learn and practice stunts.
• Teamwork and Culture: Camps are a fantastic place to experience cheerleading teamwork firsthand, meet other aspiring cheerleaders, and immerse yourself in the cheer community.

Project Confidence and Spirit

Cheerleaders are leaders, both on and off the field. A positive attitude and strong presence are just as important as your athletic abilities.

• Voice: Your voice needs to carry over crowds. Practice projecting your voice from your diaphragm, not just your throat, to be loud and clear without straining.
• Smile: A genuine smile shows your enthusiasm and spirit. It's infectious and can instantly boost the energy of a performance.
• Positive Mindset: Believe in yourself. Cheerleading involves pushing your limits, and a positive mindset will help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.

Tryout Tips: Showing Your Best Self

To join a cheerleading squad, you'll participate in tryouts, which give you a chance to shine and show your future teammates what you can do.

Preparation

• Know the Material: If there are specific cheers, dances, or jumps required for tryouts, practice them until they're second nature.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, semi-fitted athletic wear that allows you to move freely. Cheer shoes are ideal if you have them. A neat hairstyle (like a high ponytail with a cheer bow) shows you're serious and prepared.
• Warm Up: Always warm up thoroughly before your tryout to prevent injuries and ensure that your body is ready to perform.

During the Tryout

• Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to all instructions from the coaches.
• Project and Smile: Be loud and clear, and keep a smile on your face throughout. Your enthusiasm can be contagious.
• Be Receptive: If you receive feedback, listen and try to implement it, which shows that you're eager to learn and improve.
• Have Fun: This is the most important part. Your passion for cheerleading should shine through. When you're enjoying yourself, it shows in your performance.

Cheerleading is an incredible journey filled with challenges to overcome and triumphs to enjoy. With dedication, the right attitude, and a whole lot of spirit, you'll be well on your way to becoming a fantastic cheerleader!

Additional Resources

• History of Cheerleading
• Being a Cheerleader: Is it a Sport?
• Cheer and Dance Guide: How to Get Started
• Cheerleading Workouts You Can Do at Home
• Basic Cheerleading Stunt Techniques
• The Culture of All Star Cheer
• Gold Ball Bracelets
• Cheerleading Safety
• Safety Tips for Cheerleading
• Components of a Successful Cheer/Spirit Program
• College Cheerleading Requirements