CHEERLEADERS HELP me!?

Question

hey

i am really wanting to become a cheerleader,but i dont know a thing about the sport and and not at all flexible,but i am slim and in good shape,im really outgoing and have the cheerleading personality,but im already 14 im in 8th grade,i wanted to become a highschool cheerleader(in 1 yr)I WAS WONDERING IF IN 1 YR I COULD BECOME FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO BECOME A CHEERLEADER AND IF I COULD LEARN ALL THE MOVES??

ALSO IM REALLY TALL LIKE IM ALREADY 5FOOT6INCHES,DO U HAVE TO BE SHORT TO BE A CHEERLEADER??

AND SENCE IM SO TALL WHAT WOULD I BE IN CHEERLEADING??

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!]

XOXO

Answer 1

HEY HERE IS WHAT MY EX-CAPTAIN SENT ME WHEN I ASKED FOR HELP: 

 

"There is a good website with videos of motions that you can practice over the summer, don't worry about round-offs and handsprings or anything, but have a look at jumps and anything that says arm motions.

It's by 'The Zoo (SCZ Cheerleaders & co..)' and there are 10 cheer video tutorials on their website iincluding:

Arm Motions Technique

Arm Motions Choreography

Jump Technique Basics - T Jump

Toe Touch Jump

Herkie Jump

Pike Jump

http://www.zoodance.co.uk/apps/videos/

Have fun with it though - we're looking for girls who are going to enjoy it more than anything else, so even if you mess up on the day, it won't matter too much as long as we see you're enjoying it!

That is pretty mcuh all you'll need, but if you find yourself with some extra time, or you're interested in really going for it, we're going to be working hard on fitness, I'm not saying go to the gym every day cause everyone knows I don't! lol... but if you have any spare time, then strength with really help you out - If i'm watching tv then I like to stretch out my legs - if you're quite small there's a chance you might be in the air, so you'd be working towards splits during the year, and the sooner you get that the better! Otherwise, some sit ups or press ups, short jogs ... I don't knwo how much time you have or anything, I'm doing nothing at the moment, but I like to go for a quick jog a couple of times a week... if you manage all that - you are going to be WAAAAAYYYY ahead of most of the girls who are already on the squad!! lol!"

 

Ok, now word of advice from me is to ASK YOUR SCHOOL WHAT IS REQUIRED!  what my ex-captain said up there was for the squad I was in, and each squad has different requirements!!  I would say dedication is very very important just smile like the sun ALL THE TIME :))) other things like flexibility and strength are also important but without the smile you won't get through!  I've been cheering for 2 years so I know these.  Also, if your tall for your grade (it's all relative, you see) then you could be a back.  They might switch you around just to test out which position is best for you:  back is usually the tallest, flyer the smallest, bases similar height and sometimes you have a front as well.  

I can tell you my story...I tried out for the first time and didn't get through, because I didn't ask about preparations so I didn't make enough preparations and so I didn't get through the try outs.  I was about to give up because I was so upset...but I didn't give up...I tried out the year after with sufficient preparation and dedication, trained myself to get fit and just...never gave up a second!! Then I got through :))  I'm still cheering!!  

 

Now go for it and kick some a*s!! :))) x*x

Answer 2

I've been a cheerleader for 2 yrs, and i am only 5'2. You most defintely dont have to be flexible b/c most of the stuff is just stunts and cheers. But, if you want to be flexible keep on stretching your legs the most.
1. Pull yourself to the wall as far as you can in a stradle postion.
2. Try splits everyday (I did this in as little as 2 weeks and i was able to do a split).
Also Try going to the local gym and start working out b/c you'll need more muscle rather than flexiblity.
Make sure you eat a healthy snack like an apple or a protein bar for energy before practice or a game.
Good luck and best wishes in cheerleading-Bethany