Dealing with Under Classmen

Summer practices are coming to a close, which means you've been surrounded by your new freshmen team, newbees, or maybe just under classmen. You might be friends already or maybe you're ready to pull your hair out. If that's the case here's a few tips on how to deal with them in the best way possible.

#1 Be Assertive...Not Blunt

 

You may want to just scream out their flaws or whatever they're doing wrong in front of the whole squad to make a point, but what point will that be making? That you're rude and just another scary upper classmen? Instead say what you need to say in an assertive tone, as if it applies to every one. If there's a girl with noodle motion then try yelling out "Tighten your motions girls" or "Keep it clean!" If this isn't hitting home with that particular girl take her to the side and tell her what to do or offer help. As much as you want to yell at them remember it'll probably cause lack of respect and make things worse.

 

#2 Stand Tall & Be Relatable

 

Haven't you noticed that freshmen tend to gravitate towards the cheerleader that knows what she's doing and is easy to talk to. Don't put yourself out there as if you know everything and everyone instead offer advice and even tell your freshman stories. Remind them you're not perfect. So instead of scaring them, you're giving them a role model and someone to look up to as a cheerleader. You can be like a big sister and a potential friend.

 

#3 You Were Them Once

 

As much as you hate to admit it...you were them once too. Try to remember what it was like coming into a new high school and having to take on all sorts of new things. Go easy on them as a person but push them to be their best as a cheerleader. Their ultimate goal is to progress and make a higher team so help them reach that goal just like you would have wanted an upper classmen to go for you.

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

A Coach's Guide to Your Squad's Uniforms

This article is not sponsored by any cheerleading spirit fashion company; This article is not much to support or be basis towards a certain company, but only meant to give opinions and help cheer coach's pick the perfect company.
The most common and well known place to purchase cheerleading uniforms is Varsity Spirit Fashion. But many coaches don't know that they can take another route when purchasing uniforms if their luck hasn't been too good with a certain company or they just want to try something new! There are companies such as TeamCheer, Cheerleading.com, Campus Teamwear, GKElite, and GTM Sportswear! But it's not necessarily the place but the appearance and design that will make your cheerleaders happy!

Tip: If you're squad decides captains or holds tryouts for the next season at the end of the school year you can call a meeting together and discuss opinions and options for uniforms and avoid dislikes and "ew" faces when they're presented. But also remember that as a coach it's not your job to try and please everyone, and even remind the girls that cheerleading as a sport is not just about the uniform, it's merely an accessory to what they do as a squad.

Now let's discuss some uniform options!

 

Classic

Picture from cheerleadingonline.com (Campus Teamwear)

The classic uniform can be a good route to take if your squad is on the traditional side or a middle school squad. These squads typically do not stunt or are limited with the stunts they do. Even if your squad is not like this a classic uniform can be well suited for your squad if budget is a concern. These uniforms are generally less expensive since they are from less known companies or they do not have fancy patterns, materials, or metallic.

Motion Wear

Picture from teamcheer.com

Motion Wear uniforms are typically more form fitting and lighter material built to help with tumbling and stunting. These uniforms can be found on many different uniform sites and can be make with rhinestones and metallic sometimes. These uniforms are perfect for squads who focus on a lot of aerobic and stunt work.

College Style

Picture from Varsity.com

 

These uniforms are more for basketball cheerleading or stunt squads who's main focus isn't on chants but dancing, tumbling, and stunts. These are similar to motion wear but they're generally tank top with a skirt in spandex material. These can only be used as a secondary uniform if it's on budget.

 

Varsity Style

Picture from Varsity.com

 

A popular style that most high school zoom in on is from Varsity. Typically these styles have a form fitting skirt with a regular shell and nice detailed lettering, along with a V-neck liner.

 

All of these styles are great but which one is for you? Take the quiz below!

 

 

 

 Hope this was helpful, and you have fun choosing and designing next years uniforms soon!

Love,

A Cheerleader

 

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Hope your day is full of love!

Love,
A Cheerleader

Kick Full Basket Toss Tutorial



I think we've all seen these beautiful skills during a performance or maybe you've just seen it while watching a video. Whatever the case if you and your stunt group are interested in trying a kick full basket toss then this is the article for you!

Picture from cheerleadinginfocenter.com

 

Directions for the Flyer

Although it may sound rude towards the bases, back spot, and even front spot the flyer is the one who really makes a basket toss. She's the overall image and effect. So as the flyer you need to make sure you hit the kick with perfection and avoid making the toss look sloppy.

1. Set as if you're in a normal basket toss, with your hands on the bases shoulders and your bottom out towards the back spot with the face and chest up.

2. The back spot with now count and the flyer will be tossed up

3. Ride to the highest point with kick your leg straight in front of you (if you're going to turn right kick rick, if you're going to turn left kick left)

4. Right after kick going into full twist with your arms to your side and spin the desired way

5. Once you've twisted catch the bases shoulders and land in the cradle position

 

*remember you can twist more then once but only do so if you know you have a solid kick and one full twist. also make sure you get enough height or it may result in injury to yourself or one of your stunt group members*

 

Directions for Bases

You may want to treat this as any of basket toss but it is pretty different from the regular toe touch basket. In order for this skill to be achieved you and your other base need to be tossing as hard as you can in order to give your flyer enough time to kick and twist.

1. Set in regular basket toss position with your left hand grabbing your right wrist or visa versa depending on what side you base.

 

Picture from about.com

 

2. Bounce twice down-up then on the second dip throw up

3. Once the flyer hits her skill catch her high to avoid a hard impact and a rough landing

4. Catch in cradle

 

Directions for Back Spot

1. Set in regular basket toss position with both hands on the bottom of the flyer

2. Go with the bouncing motion of the bases and help throw up, not forward, really try to get under the flyer.

3. Catch in Craddle position

 

Directions for Front Spot

1. Set in regular basket position putting your hands and forearms under the bases and throwing up.

2. Step back from the cradle or step to one of the bases sides and catch the feet

 

I hope you get perfection and a cool skill from this tutorial!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

 



Tryouts for Alumni

Whether it's two or three times the charm when it comes to tryouts there's always gonna be the cheer alumni ready to take on another season. Here's how to survive tryouts as a returning cheerleader!

 

1. Old Pro

At this point it should be a piece of cake for you! You've been through this nerve racking process before and now it's time to go through it a second time. Make sure you make improvements from the previous year and any changes necessary to make yourself even the slightest bit better.

 

2. Jumping the Gun

Although you may want to try not to step on the seniors toes when they're trying to teach a dance, cheer or give directions. You may know exactly what they're going to be saying but there may be freshmen or new girls who are eager to listen. It doesn't hurt to give your point of view or thoughts but don't overpower who's ever in charge.

 

3. Practice...Still!

Just because you've been through this before doesn't mean you're given a golden ticket. You still need to practice, practice, practice and make sure you're doing your best, because when he judges come everyone starts on the same level. The coaches may have the final say but there's really no messing with the overall scores in order to put you on a squad you don't deserve to be on. Remember cheerleaders can be demoted or not make it regardless of how many years.

 

4. Cockiness

It doesn't matter how good or what squad you were on before it's never okay to be cocky and assume the worst. Feel free to be confident and ready to perform at your best but there's a line between being cocky and confident that some people might not pick up on.

 

Just remember to enjoy yourself and try your best. Everyone is equal at tryouts but don't hesitate to help out others and giving pointers! Share your knowledge! Who knows these new girls may be your new best friends!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader



What Coaches Don't Want in a Cheerleader

 Tryouts are coming up soon and you might be questioning either whether you should tryout or maybe whether or not your coach likes you. Both of these are good questions. The best way to tell if you're the ideal cheerleader for a/your cheer coach is to not be what they don't want! Here's a few things coaches don't want in an athlete.

1. I'll Only Do It If...
Many girls are either debating whether to tryout or if they're an older grade they might be deciding if they want to tryout at all. Thoughts like "I'll only do it if I make varsity" or "I'll only do it if I was captain" go through their heads and that's exactly what a cheer coach doesn't want. They want an athlete that will stick through it even if it's not exactly what they wanted. No coach wants to fill up a list and have half the girls drop out because it wasn't what they wanted.  Trust is a big thing coaches want and you need to be able to give them that and they'll do the same.

2. LazZzzzzy
Cheerleading is an exciting and engeretic sport that takes muscle, memory and hardworking and if you're nt willing to put in the work then there's really no point. You may think you'll look cool on stage but in reality you'll look like an idiot Bambi who has to watch people in front of them. Coaches love people who go the extra mile and are excited to be there!

3. Stereotypical
The biggest stereotype about cheerleaders is that they're pretty, slutty, mean and popular. If you plan on living out this stereotype then there's really no point in doing this to your squad. This is only in movies and coaches can usually see right through a girl who is only in it for the uniform so think twice about why you're really trying out.

4. Inappropriate
If you're always cussing, talking about sexual stuff, drinking and smoking then cheer isn't the right for for you. Cheerleaders aren't supposed to be perfect but they are suppose to be role models and good students on campus. A coach will eventually hear about your dark side and this may even lead to getting you kicked off and making the squad look bad.

Make sure to be the best you can be and tryout for all the right reasons. Also make sure cheer is what you're gonna love doing so you don't leave your squad after football season! Have fun and make memories

Love
A Cheerleader

Should Your H.S Squad Compete?

Has it really been 21 days since the last post?! Wow time flys when basketball season comes into play but do you know what else a lot of schools are preparing for? Competitions! Is yours? If not here's a few ways to tell if your squad has what it takes to start competing. (Competition usually ends by March so f your squad is thinking about competing it'd be a good idea to register very very soon)

1. Criteria
You want to have a squad that is on the same level as most. This means having solid stunts and pyramids while being able to dance and chant your heart out. It also helps if your squad can tumble especially if your squad is in the Varsity divisions. You don't want a squad that is on a JV level to compete against girls who are solid on Varsity criteria.

2. Practice Makes Perfection
Does your squad have scheduled practices with little complaining and girls who show up? Great! This is a start for kicking your competition careers in gear. Your squad should be motivated and want to be there not have a bunch of girls who make dumb excuses as to why they don't want to come yet still expect to be in the front for everything. Coaches should be able to give an order and your squad performs it to their best ability. In order to compete your squad will need to have longer practices and be able to walk out on the mat confident!

3. Co$t$ and Expen$e$
Competing isn't exactly cheap. Every cheerleader has a fee they they pay which is anywhere from $35-$80 each. Then there is a coaching and squad fee along with buses and hotels if this competition is far. The squad parents and booster board should call together a meeting to talk about a budget and how much will be coming out of your wallet and the board's. If competing isn't in the costs this season then it would be a good idea to start saving up now and maybe cutting back on a few things like extra bows or camp wear in the next uniform package.

4. Dedication
Being a 1st place team isn't going to happen overnight especially if your team has never competed before. It may take a few competitions or seasons before your team is at the rank you want but don't get discouraged because it's not really about winning or losing. It's about the experience,memories, and laughs you experience with your team that is the real trophy!

So if your team is thinking of competing take all of these and more into consideration. Although it may be work...it'll be worth it in the end! Good luck!

Love,
A Cheerleader

Finding the Right Cheer Gym

Whether it's fro tumbling classes or joining a team here's a few things to ask and remember before 100% committing to a cheer gym by you.

-Location
It really depends on what your situation is. You might have a stay at home mom or dad who is willing to take you at whatever time or distance. You might have full time working parents who get home just in time for dinner. You might have your own car where you're free to drive wherever you need to be. All of these will make or break a cheer gym location. If your parents are willing to take you 1hr+ distance to cheer practice then so be it but if your parents can't always give you rides everywhere you want to make sure your gym is close enough to your house to where you can walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or have a teammate pick you up along the way.

-Scheduling
Most cheer gyms are good about keeping their practice times on weekdays with convient times for parents and student. Practices are usually held from 6-9 p.m. This gives students enough time to get home and do homework and parents enough time to get home and take their child. You should ask about timing when researching your future cheer gym so that times and dates don't constantly clash with another school sport, or your parents' work schedules.

-Quality
Cheerleading is rather expensive and if you're going to invest time and money into something you want to make sure you're getting your moneys worth. Check online for reviews of the gym and see what others have to say. Go to the actual gym and check out the building. Does it have good equipment? Friendly looking staff? Holes in the walls? Are there a lot of kids there? These are all things you want to consider and more when finding the best quality gym. You don't want to end up on a gym that's so large that they don't except kids, or a gym so small you're mixed with different ages and levels.

-Cost
This is usually the biggest factor for parents! They want to know what they're paying which is understandable. If a gym doesn't outright so it on their website or tell you when getting a tour then just ask. You won't look rude or greedy by doing show you just want to know if it's in your budget and that's reasonable. A season of all star cheerleading on average goes for $3,800+ every season and a month of tumbling classes is usually $60+ for a one hour class once a week. Find what's in your budget and compare each cheer gym.

-Comparisons
Sit down together with your parents and make a list of your favorite cheer gyms. Then set them up like this:

Example
Firecracker All Stars
Distance: 10 minutes (on freeway)
Practice Times: 6pm-9:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,995

Blue Fountain All Stars
Distance: 15 minutes (main streets)
Practice Times: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Gym Quality: 8/10
Cost: $3,750

At the end of it your list should look something like this. Figure out what the deciding factor will be whether it's practice times, quality, cost or distance. These things should be talked about with your parents. Compare each gym to each other and in the end go with the one that fits your lifestyle the most.

I hope whatever cheer gym you choose you're happy with it. Don't sign up for something that you or your parents are 100% about, because you could end up losing time and money! Pick the gym that will make you the happiest and help you progress more and more each practice.

Love,

A Cheerleader

Cheerleading Picture Locations

It's around this time or maybe a few weeks before that most cheerleaders received their "cheer pictures" back and realized that they either loved them or hated them! Maybe instead of doing the same football field location every year you could try something a little new. Take a look at these general areas your squad can get their photos taken at next season.

 

1. Rose Gardens

 

Picture from Google Image Search

Mostly every state has a beautiful rose garden in it. They are usually located around museums or family landmarks. Have your coach research the availability during the summer!

2. Beach Pictures

Picture from Google Image Search

If you live close enough to a beautiful beach then you should definitely take advantage of it and have your team photos here. With the beautiful sunsets and waves coming up the sand it would be perfect for poses and candid shots!

3. Local Park

Picture from Google Image Search

 

A trip to the local park would make a great team photo with all of the spacious grass, and even small ponds to pose around. It has a more natural feel, and makes for a cute outdoory picture.

 

I hope you love your team photos regardless of the location! It's capturing the memories that matter.

Love,

A Cheerleader



All Star Cheerleading Cost Breakdown

There's so many girls like myself who are in love with cheerleading and besides doing high school cheer they want a new challenge and more competition so what better thing to do then all star cheerleading? But hold on, we're talking about all stars so we both already know there's gonna be a big cause for that new challenge. Here's a breakdown of what most gyms will charge you.

 

Tryout Fee: $30-$50

 

Tuition Fee: $1,400-$2000 (these can usually be paid monthly)

 

Team Items: $995-$1,4000 (this is for coaches, music, choreography, and sometimes additional practice clothes)

 

Uniform: $300-$500

 

Bow: $15-$30

 

Not only are putting in a lot of money but you're putting at lot of time, so you should make sure you have this time if you plan on making both all star and high school or even if you just want all star you may still be limited with your free time.

 

All star teams usually practice at least 3 to 4 times a week for 2-4 hours. This could interfere with football and basketball games, homework, pep rallies, etc. If you plan on taking part in both you should talk to your coach and parents about not only your commitment but theirs too.

 

Love,

A Cheerleader



2014 Cheer New Years Resolutions

In honor of our new year: 2014, I've put together a list of goals that us cheerleaders should set in order to help our season be more memorable and fun. (in no order) HAPPY NEW YEAR!


1. Get a new tumbling skill
2. Build a closer bond to one of your teammates
3. Kick ass at competitions
4. Keep a cleaner uniform
5. Work on higher jumps
6. Pay attention to detail more
7. Be a positive role model
8. Make a least one cheer or dance for your squad
9. Use more unique cheer mixes/music
10. Go to a new competition locations
11. Grow a closer bond to your coach
12. Have one more fundraiser than last year
13. Progress in splits
14. Get a higher pike
15. Make friends with a girl from a different squad
16. Laugh more with your teammates
17. Work out more
18. Make good social choices
19. Listen to your coach more
20. Try a new pyramid or two or three...or more!
21. Get the best grades you can get
22. Master the high kick
23. Get a double down with your stunt group
24. Try a new genre of dance
25. Fly at least once
26. Plan for the 2014-2015 season
27. Try being a part of another stunt group (just in case)
28. Do one new thing your squad has never done before
29. Show leadership skills towards your squad
30. Try a type of basket toss
31. Invite more girls to tryout
32. Work on jump sequences
33. Try a new stunting position
34. Think positive
35. Try a new brand of cheer shoes
36. Avoid drama at all costs
37. Complain less
38. Make as many memories as you can
39. Take lots of pictures
40. Make sure you have "that one story" that only your squad knows about
41. Make 2014 a year to remember

I hope whatever your Cheer Resolution is it comes true and you work hard to make it happen!

Happy New Years!

Love,

A Cheerleader

100th Post: How to Raise Money for Cheer Competitions

Competition season is probably the most fun but also the most expensive, considering you have to pay for individual entry, team fees, buses, bows, signs, hotels, etc. It can get pretty crazy! Here's 3 ways to earn some money for your competition!

1. eBay

Ebay may seem a little imitatdating but trust me it's easy and I quick way to make some money as long as you stay on top of your selling, and shipping so you can stay a good buyer. You can really sell anything on here from old clothes, to cracked iphones. Be smart about what your selling and make sure your parents are okay with it!

 

2. Candy

 

 

Traditional candy fundraisers are super easy to do. Just make sure your candy prices aren't too outrageous or it might turn some of your customers away. People don't want to spend $5 on a chocolate they can pay for $1 at the store but if you keep it at a price like $2 I'm sure they'll be happy to pay the extra dollar to help your team.

 

3. Car Wash

 

 

These easily bring in around $600-$1000 per car wash. Make sure to have your car wash in a well populated area like a grocery store parking lot on a main street. All you need is a few hoses, sponges, towels, and car soap and I bet a bunch of parents will gladly donate them.

 

I hope you get the money you need for this season's competitions!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader