Sportsmanship vs Showmanship

“Spirit starts with you!” Sportsmanship: means losing gracefully, playing fairly, and treating others with respect, especially the opposing team. Teasing or being rude to other teams isn’t classy. Give your school a good name. Showmanship: describes your performance style. Do you enjoy being in front of the crowd? Does your face show excitement and happiness? If you enjoy yourself while performing, the crowd is likely to enjoy watching you. A Cheerleader must have sportsmanship and showmanship. Lead the crowd in a positive way and respect everyone around you. Spirit starts with you-smile more and enjoy life. Cheers! YoYo ElastiCheer www.YoYoElasticheer.com info@YoYoElasticheer.com

Getting Started-Cheerleading

If you dream of being a cheerleader, you’re in good company. Christina Aguilera, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, and Madonna were all cheerleaders. Luke Perry was the mascot at his high school. Even President George W. Bush participated in college cheerleading.

 HISTORY    

When most people think of cheerleading, they picture teenagers in school outfits cheering for their teams. 

The history of cheerleading is more interesting that that. In fact, cheerleading didn’t start in the United States. It began way back in the year 776 B.C., in ancient Greece. During the first Olympic games, people cheered for their favorite runners.

In the United States, organized cheerleading began in 1898 at the University of Minnesota. Johnny Campbell, decided to test the idea that crowd on to victory. He had six male students lead the crowd in cheers. Campbell called them the Yell Captains. His idea worked. Made the games more fun. 

All Cheerleader  were males until the 1920s. That was when cheerleaders began to add stunts and gymnastics to their routines. Because women were easier to lift than men, women were welcomed onto cheerleading squads.

YoYo ElastiCheer

www.YoYoElastiCheer.com

info@YoYoElastiCheer.com

How to do a Back handspring

Get a spotter. Make sure that when you try to do a back handspring for the first time, you have a qualified spotter, coach or gymnastic teacher to spot you. This will prevent you from hurting yourself and will give you the confidence you need to successfully do the back handspring. The spotter stands on your left side, places right hand on your lower back and left hand under your left thigh or thighs to assist you with flip they also help with proper position of the body. Stand next to the spotter in a straight position  with arms in front of you- other words stand with your feet together and knees.

  *If this your first time using your spotter-you should do a trust fall. This help you feel more confident and to check to make sure your spotter can hold you weight.

 * How to do a trust fall? Simple: spotter hold arms out in candlesticks with palms (similar to cradle catch). You fall back in their arms. You can do a trust two ways: both are facing  same direction  you fall back with arms in T, spotter catches under your arm form daggers or  spotter turns sideways and you fall backwards. After you feel comfortable try jump back.

Warm Up & Stretch. It's important that you warm-up and stretch before you do a back handspring or you are putting yourself in serious risk for getting an injury. The most important parts of your body that you should stretch are your back and your wrists. To stretch your back start with bridges and then do a feel backbends. After each backbend-sit down on the floor, tuck your knees into your chest and roll back and forward without letting go of knees. You can also do the seal stretch-lay on tummy and push up with your arms  and look at the ceiling. Stretch your wrist out: interlock finger and roll your hands, knee on floor and push wrist on the floor, palms up, palms down, finger facing out and rock side to side. Roll wrist clockwise and counterclockwise. These are only a few ways.

Things to keep in mind when you learning your back handspring: make sure your arms are glued to your ear, your hands are under your shoulder, you need to need to jump back and slight up, squeeze your thighs  point your toes, don't get into the habit of throwing your head back (it's hard to break that, try no to look over your shoulders (think wall in front, ceiling, wall in back), if you point your toes and reach long this will help you have a long and beautiful back handspring with straight legs, pointed toes and perfect position. Remember back handspring don't come over night-practice and set goals for yourself.

Thanks

Yolanda

YoYo ElastiCheer.com

info@YoYoElastiCheer.com

How to Choose Cheer Shoes

Whether you're stunting, jumping, competing, practicing or just standing around your shoes take a lot of abuse and what you put on feet can make a big difference in your comfort and performance. Cheerleading shoes should look good and they should meet the needs of this active sport. You should not only consider Cheerleading shoes part of your uniform, but think of them as part of your Cheerleading equipment. Choosing the right Cheerleading shoe should be a top priority.

Does the squad dance, tumble and or perform stunts are some question you need to ask to determine the perfect shoe for your squad?  Whatever your squad needs are will help you choose a shoe that is designed for your team for the season.  Team should always be fitted for shoes. Know that each shoes fits different and the size vary from shoe to shoe-which why it’s always go to have your team be fitted for shoes. The price of shoes can run between the prices of $14.95 to $79.99.  Some things you should consider as well when selecting your perfect shoe: does the shoe have comfort and support that is need for long performances and how easy is it to clean the shoe. It best to take some time to research the perfect shoe that is fit for your team-it will make you and your squad member happy , safe and comfortable.

10 Things People Don't Know About Cheerleaders!

1. Cheerleaders are very smart and intelligent individuals. 2. Cheerleading is the fastest growing girls’ sport in America. 3. It has been rated as the number 1 most dangerous sport several times. 4. There is a lot of work put into Cheerleading Squad: painting signs, preparing for games, prep rallies, cheering at games, 1/2 time show and on top that homework. 5. Cheerleaders spend average of 6 to 8 hours a week for practice and on top of that a cheerleader must maintain certain grade to keep her or his spot on the team. They do it all with a smile. 6. It's harder than what it looks. Not everyone can be Leaders with smiles to share. 7. Cheerleader do more than just yell and hold poms. 8. Those who cheer really love the art and sport of cheer. 9. Cheerleading is a fun and rewarding sport. 10. It's ok for males to be Cheerleader-male cheerleading open opportunities for an all girl team. Thanks for reading YoYo ElastiCheer www.YoYoElastiCheer.com

All Star Prep

Competition Cheerleading

All Star Prep teams are a good introduction to all star cheer. They provide an opportunity for newer athletes to experience all star cheer, but with limited commitment and cost.

 1 practice per week  2-3 local completions  Less commitment  Less Expense  Introduction to All Star Cheer  Season runs from November to April

Not ready for the full commitment of an All-Star Cheer team, but still want the competitive cheer experience, All-Star Prep might be for you. This is a great option for those families that want a lower time or financial commitment. This program is open to all cheerleader ability levels with team options for those ages 6 to 18.

www.YoYoElastiCheer.com ~ Sherman Oaks, Ca ~ 818-573-0134