What is Competitive Cheer?

Competitive Cheerleading is an acrobatic team-based sport that focuses on stunting, tumbling, jumps, dance, and performance. There are  four main elements of competitive cheerleading.  At competitions, teams are scored on the difficulty, technique, and creativity of each of these elements. These elements are, as listed in the definition are, stunting, tumbling, dancing, and jumping. “Teams are formed based on tiers for every ability level, from Novice to Elite. All-Star rules are leveled based on progressions of skills commonly performed in cheer and are developmentally appropriate for the age of the competitor. Teams range from Level 1 to Level 7” (USASF).

What Is Stunting?

Stunting is when a group of two to our  athletes lifts, throws, and or spins another athlete into the air. There are 4 different stunting positions. These positions are known as the bases, back-spots, front-spots, and flyers. There are 2 bases in a stunt group and their job is to control the movement and power of the stunt. Bases have the job of holding the flyer’s feet. The next position is the back spot. The back spot has the job of holding the ankles and or legs of the flyer. There is one back-spot in each stunt group. The back-spot is the leader of the group. They make any calls and count in the stunt at practices. The back spot also holds an important role in keeping the flyers neck and head protected. The next stunting position is called the front spot. Not to be confused with the back-spot, the front-spot is not essential to the stunt group. A front spot is usually only there if a group needs extra help to hit the stunt, or for transitional purposes. The final stunt position is the flyer. The flyer is self-explanatory. Flyers are the athletes who get lifted, tossed, or spun. Flyers must have excellent core strength, superb flexibility, and eye-catching performance skills. Flyers hold the job of making the routine entertaining and also showcasing the strength of the athletes holding them in the air. Stunting makes up 45% of a team’s score at a competition.

What is Tumbling and Jumps?

The next element of competitive cheer is tumbling. Tumbling is the action of an athlete flipping their own feet over their head in a form of rolling, tucking, springing, or twisting. Tumbling is worth 20% of a score sheet.  Jumps are included in a section of the routine that showcases the athlete’s leg strength and flexibility. Jumps are worth 10% of a team’s score at a competition.

What is Dance?

The final element is dance. Dance is a performance-based section of the routine that highlights the athlete’s ability to perform with their face and movements. It also is critiqued on the sharpness and execution of the dance.  Dance is also worth 10% of a team’s score at a competition. The final 15% of a team’s score is based on their performance and creativity in a routine. Entertainment value is the key to success to scoring well on this part of the score sheet. The total score is out of 100.

For more information go to: https://www.varsity.com or https://www.usasf.net

It’s your turn! Comment below your favorite part of cheer and or one part of cheer you wish to be stronger at this upcoming season!