How to Become a Better Cheerleader

Cheerleading is a demanding sport. It requires long practice hours, and your entire summer can be devoted to practicing for the upcoming school year. It takes dedication to be a cheerleader, and it takes extreme commitment to become an even better cheerleader. It will take continuing practice after your school's practice lets out. Here is how you can become the best cheerleader possible.

Instructions

1. Practice a lot. You want to practice every day after school. If the cheerleading squad is not meeting for practice, ask your coach if you can command the field to practice on your own, or practice in your own backyard or park. Find a place to practice either with or without a buddy from the team. It's probably best to practice on your own so you don't get distracted or tempted to do other things by someone whose commitment does not match your own.

2. Take at least a full day off from any kind of cheerleading each week. This may seem like a silly way to get better at cheerleading, but it works. If you get burnt out form cheerleading, you will be a worse cheerleader. Taking a day off renews your passion and commitment, and gives you time to relax and reflect on how you can up your game.

3. Watch cheerleading movies like "Bring It On." Some may be silly, but others will teach you a lot. It can make you laugh at yourself, and it can help inspire you to try new choreography and new skills.

4. Listen to new music while you cheer. Choose upbeat music that you can really move along with. Cheerleading is akin to dancing, and moving to the music will help you get more fit. It will improve your moves and spark your imagination. Paula Abdul was once a cheerleader.

5. Ask your coach for advice. Coaches are too often taken for granted, and their passion for the sport can be lost on some apathetic students. Talking to your coach and asking for her advice will be appreciated. She is full of wisdom, or she would not have gotten so far into the sport to coach it. Ask for her advice specifically. Sure, she will give you tips on the field, but it will true advice in private where s he can really let you know where you can improve. She can also direct you in how to improving your weaknesses through certain exercises or applications. She is smart, and it will be a win-win situation.

6. Go to cheerleading clinics or camps when possible. These are often held at a time when your other cheerleading activities are on break. You will meet like-minded individuals and find people from all over your region that can help improve your skills. During these camps, cheering on opposite teams rarely matters. What matters is your love for the sport of cheerleading.

7. Teach your younger sister or cousins how to cheer. You'll be amazed at how much teaching others can help you learn about the sport yourself. You'll want to answer all their questions, and you will become more attuned to the sport.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep trying. If something doesn't work, try again or change plans. It is always possible to improve your skills.

• Don't overdo it. Too much of anything can be bad.