How to Perfect Your Cheerleading Motions

Cheerleaders often forget to practice the most important part of being a cheerleader, which is to lead the crowd. Motions are the easiest form of leading the crowd, but are often overlooked even though they are of equal value as stunting and tumbling to judges.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. When learning or practicing motions, it is important to check to make sure you have proper placement of each motion. Using a partner or a mirror will help you to master motions. When critiquing each motion, be sure that your arms are completely locked out without hyper extending elbows and the wrist should be straight in line with your arm.

2. Once you've mastered placement, it is time to learn how to hit those motions perfectly every time. Using motion drills to counts or music will help you develop muscle memory for every motion. After creating a motion drill begin to change the order of the motions and gradually speeding up the drill, to begin to learn to be even sharper. Be sure to include both sides of any motion that are created with one arm. Your muscles should be sore!

3. Placing your squad in a “V” formation ensures that everyone knows the same motion drill and then start practicing the drill at a fairly slow pace. When the drill is fast enough, you will notice the squad begin to develop the same timing and placement in their motions. This is so effective on the competition floor!

4. Sharp motions add great visual effect to your performances. This is why it's very important to drill everyone on the correct technique and placement of their motions. Your motions should be tight and your muscles engaged. If you practice it correctly, you will perform it correctly.