How to Organize Cheerleading Practice

Since the 1970s, cheerleading has been taken seriously as a competitive sport in the world of high school and collegiate athletics. Cheerleaders as young as 5 have joined squads all across the country as the popularity of this sport grows. As a coach or team captain of a cheerleading squad, it is important that you organize your cheerleading practice according to your squad's skill level and goals.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Organize Practice for Your Squad

1. Plan basic stretches, jumps and single level pyramids for a beginning or novice squad.

2. Graduate to multiple pyramids and extended stunts for experienced cheerleaders. Examples include basket tosses, toss to liberty stretches and helicopter twisting tosses.

3. Space out practice time to avoid physical exhaustion. Practices should be held no more than 4 times a week and 3 to 4 hours at a time.

4. Give water breaks every 45 minutes to keep your squad hydrated and energized.

5. Organize your practice in a gymnasium complete with full coverage wrestling mats or outdoors in warm weather on soft grass. Practicing on hard ground and uncovered gym floors is often considered illegal by most state cheerleading rules.

6. Organize your practice time to allow for adequate preparation. The general rule of thumb is that cheerleading practice should typically begin at the same time as the sport of season. For example, football cheerleaders should begin practice at the same time that football players do.

Enhance Practice Results

1. Bring in outside guest coaches or trainers to develop specific areas of strength in your squad. This could include weight trainers, yoga instructors or stunt specialists.

2. Attend cheerleading camp during the summer months to learn new practice techniques and methods to organize your squad routines.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose practice clothing and uniforms that allow for easy movement and freedom of limbs. Especially in competitive squads, it's vital that cheerleaders are able to bend their arms and legs without restriction. The Universal Cheerleading Association, or UCA, has a plethora of uniform options available for all ages.

• Never plan stunts that are above the skill level of your squad or that are not legally considered age-appropriate. The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) regulates which stunts, tumbling and jumps are legal by age.