How to Clap in Cheerleading

Clapping sounds pretty easy but doing a cheerleading clap correctly requires paying attention to details. Slight adjustments to hand and arm positions make a big difference. Learn the proper clapping technique to make your cheers, chants, dances and game routines look sharper.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stand with your feet together and your arms pressed firmly against your sides. Bend your forearms up toward your face while keeping your upper arms and elbows pushed firmly against the sides of your body.
2. Make cheerleading clap "blades." Press your hands firmly together in front of your face, pointing your fingers toward the sky. Make sure your fingers and thumbs are always pushed together. Keep your elbows and upper arms pressed tightly against your body.
3. Check for correct placement of your hands. Keep your fingers together in the "blade" position but move your thumbs back below your chin. Your hands need to be placed where your thumb can barely slide below your chin.
4. Open your hands to perform the cheerleading clap. Cheerleading claps are short, narrow, movements. Never open your hands beyond the width of your shoulders. Ensure that you maintain the "blade" position throughout the clap.
5. Push your hands back together to complete the clap. Keep your body and arms as tight as possible to create the sharp, snappy and precise claps.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have difficulty keeping your claps narrow, ask a partner to stand behind you with her arms stretched over your shoulders. Practice the clap in the space between her arms.