How to Practice Cheerleading Jumps

Jumps add an extremely explosive element to any cheer routine. Cheerleaders must burst into mid air and then snap into position sharply. Team members should coordinate their jumps to perform them at precisely the right time. Jumps are not easy, though, and those with the most powerful jumps tend to have a larger role in this kind of routine than beginner

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Basic jump instruction
• Briefs or shorts for underneath your skirt
• Sneakers
• Practice mats

Preparation to Practice Cheerleading Jumps

1. Know that all cheerleading jumps begin the same way, with a set of steps called the preparation or prep. The prep is visually appealing and also adds the element of power and height to a jump.
2. Stand with your feet together and your arms above your head in a high "V" position.
3. Bend at the knees and sweep your arms down so they cross at your forearms (in front of your upper thighs).
4. Now spring up into the jump and perform the pose you have selected.

Practice Cheerleading Jumps

5. Do the hurdler by kicking one leg forward and high into the air. The other leg is bent at a right angle pose behind you.
6. Jump a tuck by pulling your knees up to our chest. Hold your arms above your head into a high "V" position or put your hands on your hips.
7. Side jump into a hurkie by straightening one leg and lifting it high to the side. Bend the other leg at a right angle behind your body. Your knee on the bent leg should point downward.
8. Try a toe touch by lifting your legs open and as high to the sides as you can in a split position. Lean forward at your waist but keep your head up and shoulders facing forward. Your arms should be pointed straight down in a "V" pose.
9. Land in a simple, clean manner. Make sure your feet are together and bend your knees slightly while landing on the balls of your feet. Once you are comfortable in your landings, you may add an arm pose.
10. Watch other squads to get ideas on new jumps (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Always be sure you are supervised before attempting any new jumps.
• Try your new jumps out in a swimming pool to get a feel for it without the effects of gravity or the hard ground.
• Never land with a straight knee. You could sprain or twist your leg.
• Avoid using a trampoline or other bouncing device to get you higher. This can be dangerous if you are not experienced in landing properly from higher elevations.