Feeling like you're on the sidelines when it comes to cheerleading? Well, here's a quick, starter guide with Jim and the gang providing some handy visuals along the way.
Arabesque
One leg is down straight and the other is behind you almost at a ninety degree angle to your back.
Backwards jump onto your hands, then a quick push from your hands to your feet. Also known as flip-flop or flick-flack.
Banana
This is when you arch your back and reach upwards. You usually only do a banana when you are doing a combination jump or riding up a basket toss.
Briefs
Matching undies that are part of your Cheerleading uniform, worn under your skirt. Sometimes called bloomers, spankies, tights, or lolipops.
Buckets
Holding your arms straight out in front of you, with your fists facing in towards each other.
Candle Sticks
Motion where you extend your arms out in front of you with your fists facing down.
Cheer
A longer yell, that involves motions, pom poms, stunts, jumps, or tumbling.
Double Hook
A jump where one leg is bent in front of you and the other leg is bent behind you, your arms are in a high V. Also known as a Pretzel, Abstract, or Table Top.
Cheerleaders can't compete with frowns on their faces! Facials help get the crowd excited and impress the judges big time! The goal is: make it look like your having the time of your life, even if you are so nervous or scared you want to leave. Facial tricks that score big with judges are: winks, cheesy smiles, occasional sticking out the tongue, and bobbing your head up and down. Hey it sounds stupid, but it helps soo much in a competition or game!
Handspring
Springing from your feet to your hands to your feet again. Used alone or in conjunction with other skills. There are forward and backward handsprings.
