Practice makes perfect!
The practices for cheerleading are both physically demanding and enjoyable. We not only will work on crowd/game material, but also new partner stunts, pyramids, and gymnastics skills. We will also prepare/practice performance routines for competition. Cheerleading practices are not open to the public.
Facilities
Most practices are held in the CMAC in the Batten Center. One day a week practice is held in a local all-star gym. You are required to enroll in a tumble class at a local gym. There is a class at Elite Cheer & Tumble which offers a discounted price.
Camp
You are required to attend summer camp in August. For more information contact Amanda Lyons.
Practice times
Fall Semester Practice
Dates: Late-August to 1st day of Winter Session
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Who Attends? All are required
Where? CMAC gym
Winter Session Practice
Dates: Winter Session
Days: Monday, Wednesday, & Sunday
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.(M,W), 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Sunday)
Who Attends? All are required
Where? CMAC gym
Spring Session Practices
Dates: Winter and Spring Semester
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Who Attends? All are required
Where? CMAC gym
Practice content
Warming-up & Stretching
Due to the amount of tumbling/lifting that is required, warm-up and stretching is very important. Not only does it prevent injuries but it also aids in the execution of some of the stunts, tricks, and pyramids.
Game Material
First and foremost, we have to ensure that we are prepared to lead the crowd for the game. Therefore, we must spend time on perfection of sidelines (i.e. L-E-T-S G-O Lets go Marlins, or D-D-D Fence) and cheers. We continually try to create new cheers in order to get the crowd in the game.
Partner Stunts
We continually work on improving consistency, difficulty, and safety in our partner stunts. During this section of practice, we stress individual improvement, synchronization with the squad, and development of creative and visual stunt sequences for performances.
Pyramids
Pyramids are essentially partner stunts connected in some manner or fashion. They can go as high as two and half levels.
During this section of practice we practice the timing between all members in the pyramid. We also try to generate new and creative pyramids and pyramid transitions for game situations and performances. Since the level of danger is so great, we always stress safety and spotting techniques.
Basket Tosses
This is probably the most eye catching and impressive trick to perform for the crowd. For the cheerleaders (especially the flyer) is probably the most dangerous. It involves two elements, the flyer (girl) and the throwers (3 or 4 people). Basically, the two primary throwers interlock wrist to create a throwing surface for the flyer to stand on. On a designated count, these throwers use their strength (legs and shoulders) and timing to hurl the flyer in the air as high as possible. After hurling the girl in the air, these people are then responsible for her safe and soft catching (cradle). This throwing technique remains consistent no matter what aerial maneuver the flyer executes.
When we practice this we really stress the timing between the throwers and the flyer. This is crucial because it can determine how straight to the toss is as well as the amplitude that is reached. The only way to get better with basket tosses is to continually practice and fine tune this timing.
Tumbling
When will we practice this element and spend time in a straight line doing individual tumbling with constructive criticism with respect to form and technique. After a few repetitions individually, we tumble together as a group to designated counts. This results in a clean uniform tumbling squad. A number of cheerleaders go above and beyond and practice outside of practice to acquire new skills or improve existing skills.
I will also be setting up a required tumble class outside of practice and you must attend that class or you must be enrolled in other class of your choice.
Physical Conditioning
You will be enrolled in a program (Mobile Fit) and required to workout at least three times a week, not including practice time.