Cheerleading Tips & Drills

1. Stretching

   A good stretch helps keep you from cramping.

2. Trust your Coach and Team

   If you have a tumbling coach always trust them. Never think that they are going to drop you because they won't. That's what they are trained for. You have to trust your coaches at all times when spotting or even when they give you advice.

3. Attitude

   Always have the right attitude so the coach will know that you're there to play.

4. Set Goals

   All athletes can improve their athletic performance by determining goals and outlining steps that they can take to achieve those goals.

5. Recovery After Injuries

   Active rest will help in recovery and regeneration after sports related injuries. A brisk walk or slow swim is considered active rest. Also, a sports massage will help reduce muscle fatigue.

6. Training

   Do not increase training time or intensity by more than 10% at a time. This should help reduce injuries.

7. Routines

   Routines should play on the strengths of the individuals in your cheer team but also maximize visual effects using synchronization.

8. Be Prepared for Competition

   Before heading off to competition, review the competition score sheet and rules. Have a dress rehearsal in which you perform exactly the way you intend to perform at competition. Also, create a checklist of things you will need to bring that includes props, poms, uniforms, music, etc. You don't want to show up and realize that you are missing something essential for your routine!

9. Music

   Have your music done professionally so that you look professional when competing in Cheer Competitions.

10. Enter the Right Competition

    Be sure when entering a Cheer Competition to enter in the correct division. Divisions are based on skill level.

11. Challenge Yourself

    Don't simply practice the skills that you are good at. Challenge yourself to learn new skills and practice them. The more you learn and master, the more valuable you are to your team!

12. Practice

    Arrive at scheduled practices early, stay late and work hard while you are there.

13. Tips

    Do Leg Ups everyday and you will see a huge difference.

14. Discovering Your Talent

    Discovering your talent starts from the classroom. Keep making good grades and see the difference in your talent discovery.

15. Full Downs

    When you do a full down, remember to ride it straight up, then look for your backspot!

16. Hand Stand

    When you do a hand stand always be straight and point your toes.

17. Injuries

    When you are hurt tell someone -- don't cover it up and say you are fine if you are not!