Cheerleading for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Are you interested in cheerleading but do not know where to start? Whether you are a complete beginner, a parent researching the sport for your child, or someone who just made the team and wants to learn the basics – this guide is for you. Cheerleading is an exciting, athletic, and rewarding sport that combines stunting, tumbling, jumps, dance, and spirit. Here is everything a beginner needs to know about cheerleading.
What Is Cheerleading?
Cheerleading is a team sport that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics. Cheerleaders perform routines that include stunts (lifting and holding athletes in the air), tumbling (handsprings, tucks, and other floor skills), jumps, dance, and cheer chants. Modern cheerleading is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, requiring strength, flexibility, endurance, and teamwork.
Types of Cheerleading
There are several different types of cheerleading, and understanding the differences is important:
- School Cheerleading: Supports school sports teams at games and competes at school-level competitions. Typically has both sideline (game day) and competition components.
- All-Star Cheerleading: Competitive-only cheerleading at private gyms. Teams train year-round specifically for competitions like The Cheerleading Worlds and The Summit.
- College Cheerleading: University-level cheerleading, often the highest level of school cheer. College teams compete at NCA College Nationals. See our university-specific tryout guides in the Tryouts category.
- Pro Cheerleading: Professional cheerleaders perform at NFL, NBA, and other professional sporting events.
Positions on a Cheer Team
Every cheerleader has a position in stunting. Understanding the positions helps you figure out where you fit:
- Flyer: The athlete on top of the stunt. Typically smaller and lighter. Requires flexibility, balance, and confidence. See our complete flyer technique guide.
- Base: The athletes who lift and hold the flyer. Typically stronger and larger. Requires upper body strength, good technique, and timing.
- Backspot: The athlete behind the stunt who supports the flyer and calls counts. Requires strength and leadership.
- Frontspot: Used in some levels, the frontspot provides additional support from the front.
Basic Skills Every Beginner Needs
Before trying out for a team, work on these foundational skills:
Motions
Cheer motions are the arm positions used in cheers, chants, and routines:
- High V: Arms angled up in a V shape, thumbs facing out
- Low V: Arms angled down in an inverted V, thumbs facing in
- T: Arms straight out to the sides, parallel to the ground
- Half T / Broken T: Arms bent at elbows in front of chest
- Diagonal: One arm up in high V position, one arm down in low V
All motions should be sharp, tight, and hit exact positions. Practice in front of a mirror to perfect your technique.
Jumps
Basic cheerleading jumps to learn:
- Straight jump: Jump straight up with legs together. Practice your approach and landing first.
- Tuck jump: Jump and bring both knees to your chest. Great for building jump power.
- Toe touch: The most important cheer jump. Spread your legs in a straddle position at the peak. See our jump height guide for technique tips.
- Herkie: One leg straight out to the side, the other bent with knee pointing down.
- Pike jump: Both legs straight out in front of you, folding at the hips.
Tumbling
Beginner tumbling skills, in order of progression:
- Forward roll
- Cartwheel
- Round-off
- Back walkover
- Back handspring (see our step-by-step guide)
- Standing tuck (see our progression guide)
What to Expect at Tryouts
Cheer tryouts typically involve learning a short routine, performing it in front of judges, and demonstrating your jumps, tumbling, and spirit. Our tryout tips guide covers preparation, what coaches look for, and common mistakes to avoid.
Essential Gear for Beginners
- Cheer shoes: Flat-soled athletic shoes designed for stunting and tumbling. See our shoe review guide.
- Practice clothes: Form-fitting athletic wear that allows full range of motion
- Hair ties and bows: Hair must be pulled back securely for safety
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated during practice
- Cheer mat: For practicing at home safely. See our mat review guide.
Conclusion
Cheerleading is an incredible sport that builds strength, confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Start with the basics, be patient with yourself, and remember that every great cheerleader was once a beginner. For more guidance, explore our Cheerleading Tips category, and check out our competition calendar to see what events are coming up!
