Cheerleading requires hours of grueling practice. If you want your hard work to pay off in a great performance, you need to have a clear plan in mind.
Some of the best cheerleaders possess certain qualities that take them from good to great. And the good news? Anyone can reach this level of performance with hard work and dedication.
Ready to be the best cheerleader you can be? Here are the qualities that will get you there.
1. Positive Attitude
Mindset is everything. Whether it’s recovering from a brutal loss or handling the pressure of national championships, your mindset dictates success. We are predisposed to take the negative aspects of an event and dwell on them. Avoid this. Learn what you can from your setbacks and get back to training.
And don’t forget to focus on positivity. Your attitude is infectious to those around you and vice versa. Spread positivity to your teammates and coach. In turn, they’ll raise your spirits when you’re down.
2. Teamwork
Few sports require the amount of collaboration that cheerleading does. When stunting, cheerleaders must trust their teammates. Lack of trust leads to fear, which creates mistakes—or worse—injuries.
As such, it is crucial to maintain a good connection with your team. Typically, teams get this connection through consistent practice. Communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page. If you think someone is out of sync, work with them to get them on board.
Build positive connections with your teammates. It may seem small, but the positive mental boost in working with a friend can improve your performance. Try to enjoy your teammates and treat them well. These habits often end with them treating you the same.
3. Dedication
The highs of cheerleading are a great feeling. When your performance is at its peak and meshing with your teammates, you’re on top of the world. But it’s not always easy. Training can be brutal, and you can make costly mistakes. Worst of all, injuries can derail your season.
But all great stories come from dedication. Rome was not built in a day. And Rome had many setbacks before it became great. If you want to get the best highs possible, you will have to power through the lows. When you’re down, it’s important to focus on the things that motivate you. Whether it’s wanting to please your family or working towards that big goal, something drives you. Keep this drive in mind when fighting off the mental wear and tear that holds you down.
4. Physical Strength
Cheerleading is physically demanding. You are required to exhibit strength, agility, and cohesion—all while using a strong voice to keep the crowd motivated. As such, maintaining a top-level physique is essential.
Healthy eating is excellent for maintaining a healthy body and weight. A well-planned cheerleading diet also gives you the energy to keep your pep high.
Because of the poses cheerleading requires, flexibility is key. Stretching reduces the chances of injury and will make movement easier. Maintain a daily stretching schedule. Stretching is especially important before you train or perform. Be mindful of what muscles you will use in a routine. General leg and body stretches will cover many acts. But specific routines may require specific stretches.
Once you have stretched, knowing what exercises to commit to is essential.
Here are some suggestions for cheerleading exercises that are decent muscle builders and great cardio builders.
Jump Rope
Bike Riding
Trampoline
Wind Sprints
5. Ability to Listen
Your coaches give you detailed instructions on what moves you need to memorize. But they may change these moves. When they do, make sure you pay attention. Misunderstanding cues can result in injury for you or your teammates.
Likewise, listen to what your team captain says. She will have many ideas on how you can become better. Good communication starts with taking in what the other person wants you to know. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify some of their points. Once you fully understand, then you can add your opinion.
Key Takeaways
1. Keep a positive mindset.
2. Communicate clearly with your teammates.
3. Push through hard times.
4. Maintain a healthy body.
5. Listen carefully to what your coach and cheer captain have to say.
Prodigy Cheer Apparel gives you the important cheerleading tips you and your teammates need to grow. And we provide custom cheer apparel—giving your cheer performance a polished look.