How to be a good cheerleader

Learn how to be a great cheerleader.

Often girls in junior high or high school dream of making it onto their school's cheerleading team. It's even possible to turn cheerleading into a profession by becoming a professional cheerleader for a leading sports team. Cheerleading is much more than learning a few cheers and looking pretty while standing on the sidelines. The sport takes talent, energy and athletic ability. Cheerleading is a competitive sport not meant for low-achievers. On top of making the time to practice and train, cheerleaders in school must keep their grades to remain on the team.

Instructions

1. Smile! Keep a sincere one on your face all the time, especially when you're cheerleading for the team. Do the same when practicing just to get used to smiling constantly. No matter how hard you're working or how tired you are, look like you're happy and having fun. Come off as proud of your cheerleading team and the sports team you're encouraging.

2. Maintain a high GPA. Most schools have a requirement that any student who participates in a sport can only stay on the team if she keeps her grades up.

3. Learn the rules of the sports games that you'll be encouraging. Also, pay attention to the game to know when to cheer.

4. Learn how to take criticism. As a cheerleader, there will be times when your coach, teammates or competing cheerleading teams criticize you and your team. Sometimes this criticism will be well-meaning and sometimes it won't. Either way, accept the criticism without getting defensive or embarrassed. Think of it as constructive criticism and use the comments to better yourself.

5. Continually look to your captains. They may be trying to communicate with you and your team. Always know where your captain is. You may need to ask a quick question before walking out onto the court or the field.

6. Research the basic rules and guidelines of cheerleading as well as the specific guidelines of your cheerleading team. Each team has its own unique style.

7. Remain graceful if you slip up and make a mistake. Instead of drawing attention to yourself, stopping mid-cheer or laughing nervously, simply continue with your cheer.

References

• Kidz World: Cheerleading Tips
• Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation
• AES Cougar Cheerleading