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BASIC BEGINNERS MOTIONS
MOTIONS:
1). Clap: The clap is
the first of all cheer motions learned. Clap your hands together, keeping
them about an inch below your chin. A clap is a motion, so when a cheerleader
claps, he/she must keep the motion sharp and quick.
2). Basic T Motion:
Standing forward with your hands clapped together, place your arms straight
out on both sides. Your fists should be closed, and your arms should
be straight and level.
3). Goal Post: From the
clap position, move both arms straight above your head. Your arms should
be straight and touching the side of your head. Your fists should be
closed and facing each other.
4). Cone Head: This motion
is similar to the Goal Post. Keeping your arms straight, move them straight
above your head and clap your hands together.
5). High V: Place your
arms in a v-like motion above your head. From the goal post motion,
your arms should be slightly wider to form a High V. Your fists are
closed and your arms should be slightly in front of you, enough that
you can see your fists out of the corner of your eyes.
6). Low V: This motion
is the exact opposite of the High V. Move your arms down into a v-like
shape by your sides.
Variations:
You can always substitute fists for blades. A blade is a hand extended
straight out, not in fists. This will give a different flair and style
to any motion.
JUMPS
The toe touch is the most widely used jump in cheerleading and dance
today. Other popular jumps include the pike, the around the world, the
spread eagle, and the side hurdler. The three main parts to the toe
touch, and other jumps, are the prep, the lift, and the landing. The
prep is like the birth of the jump. It gives jumps height and grace.
Without the prep, jumps would be more difficult. The lift is important
because it is what extends your legs and your arms into the right position.
The landing completes the jump. This seemingly unimportant part of the
jump is what most people have difficulty with. Landing with feet together
gives the jump a finished look.
#1 - The Prep
Your basic prep begins with feet together, your weight focused through
your toes, and arms in a high V motion. Next, lift your body up through
your shoulders, quickly swing arms in a circle, and bend at the knees
to build up to the lift.
#2 - The Lift
You should jump off the ground, pushing through your toes, when your
arms reach the top of their swing. Once you are airborne, use your abdominal
muscles to pull your legs up toward your arms. Hit your jump with your
body upright (don't lean down) your head up (SMILE) and your toes pointed.
#3 - The Landing
Bring your legs together quickly so your feet are together when you
land. Also bend your knees slightly to take the pressure off of your
knees and ankles. If your feet aren't landing together, lower your jump
and concentrate on good form. As you practice, your muscles will strengthen
and you will be able to jump higher AND have a good landing.
Toe Touch Tips:
Don't try to actually touch your toes. In a great toe touch, your hands
will usually reach for the insides of your ankles. *If you place your
arms lightly lower than a "T" motion, it might make good jumps
look even better.
Front Hurdler Tips:
The front hurdler is a relatively difficult jump. It is usually performed
at a 45-degree angle from the crowd. The front leg goes as high as possible,
like a front kick, and the back leg bends behind you.
Side Hurdler Tips:
Bring your front leg straight up, extending it out to the side. Your knee
and shoelaces should be facing up. At the same time, bend the other leg,
bringing it upward until your entire thigh is level with the ground.
Herkie Tips:
It is performed almost exactly like the side hurdler with one MAJOR
difference - the back leg. The back leg has the knee pointing DOWN instead
of level with the ground. There are also two acceptable arm positions
for this jump, do whichever is easier for you.
Table Top Tips:
This jump may also be called an Abstract or a Double Hook depending
on where you live. Make sure that your legs are parallel to the ground,
like you're sitting on a table. Arms may be placed in a High V motion
to give the jump a higher look.
Spread Eagle Tips:
This jump also has many names including the "X" jump and the
Open. Remember that for this jump your knees face forward. Also, make
sure that you hit an excellent High V cause that can make or break your
form!
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Cheerleading
