How to Create a Cheerleading Chant

A cheerleading chant is a peppy, short cheer that utilizes arm movements and leg positions to emphasize words or themes. The movements in the chant follow the beat or rhythm of the words. Simplicity is key when developing a chant. You can use your voice, arms and legs or clapping to keep the beat. Chants are repeated three or four times.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Notebook of chants
• Space to practice
• Basic moves
• School colors, logo, mascot name

Create a Cheerleading Chant

1. Know that the cheerleading clap is not just a clap. Most squads use the clap to keep the routine sharp. Hands must be rigid so the clap is precise, so don't bend your fingers at all or curl the fingers of one hand over the other.
2. Use your hands frequently, as there are five basic hand positions: blades, daggers, buckets, candlesticks and knockers. With each of these positions, there are two important things to remember. Always keep your wrists rigid and when your hands are in fists, always keep your thumbs on the outside.
3. Keep your voice low and loud and keep a smile on your face. If you yell from your chest instead of from your throat, your voice will be naturally louder and carry further. If you look like you are having fun, the crowd will have fun.
4. Create a chant using basic team information like inserting the mascot's name, your team color or your school name however you like. There are some basic chants that can be used for any sport chants.
5. Utilize ideas from the cheerleaders online site (see Resources below). Many times coaches and cheerleaders will collaborate together to create chants and cheers and there are plenty of online resources for new chants.

Tips & Warnings

• The difference between a cheerleading "cheer" and a "chant" are the moves and words. Cheers are typically more melodic, have a verse and chorus and include a stunt or jump. Chants incorporate only basic movements, have a simple, repeating rhythm and usually don't contain jumps.
• Watch your hand movements. If everyone on the squad bends their wrists in varying degrees, it will make a sloppy performance. If you clasp your thumb on the inside of your fist, you risk straining the joint of your thumb. Movements should feel comfortable at all times.
• Never scream in a high pitched voice. Not only is this unappealing to your audience, but you can also damage your vocal chords by overworking your voice.