Great flexibility is key to performing better stunts, jumps and tumbling, and is something that the most talented cheerleaders possess. With just a few minutes a day, flexibility can be improved in as little as four to six weeks.
By definition, flexibility is a person's range of motion in their joints. Two kinds of flexibility are important in cheerleading: leg flexibility and back flexibility. Leg flexibility helps achieve correctly-positioned and hyper-extended jumps, especially toe touches, and allows those performing stunts to execute better arabesque, bow-and-arrow and cupid poses. Being able to perform these types of stunts isn't just important for flyers, or "tops girls" -- many of the most impressive competitive and show cheerleading routines feature all squad members pulling these moves.
As far as jumps are concerned, without flexibility they are likely to be low and done incorrectly. The higher a person's legs can reach, the less likely they are to bend over while jumping, and the more likely they are to be able to do jump sequences. Back flexibility also aids in achieving better jumps; having a stronger, more flexible core helps prevent the common mistake of bending the back during jumps.
Perhaps the area where back flexibility comes into play the most is tumbling. Think about how many times you have seen someone try to perform a backhandspring, only to collapse midway through. This is probably because they either failed to stretch before tumbling, or their back isn't flexible enough.
So, how does a cheerleader go about improving flexibility? The simple answer is by stretching. Leg straddles, lunges, and practicing jumps and stunt poses all help achieve greater flexibility. If you're trying to be more flexible, take at least ten minutes per day to do some deep stretching. You can fit this in while watching television, doing homework or even talking on the phone. Just sitting in a straddle and stretching left, right and center will lead to increased flexibility in a short amount of time. You will start to notice that you can stretch deeper and eventually, when stretching at center, your chest will be able to touch the ground.
Practicing your jumps, when done in proper form, helps to increase back and leg flexibility. If you can, either practice your jumps in a mirror or have a friend videotape your jumps so you can see progress. The best, easiest way to increase back flexibility is by doing back bends. Do at least ten back bends for ten seconds or more each day. Once you start getting more flexible, the amount of time you're able to hold your back bends will increase.
The key to gaining flexibility when you're a cheerleader is consistency. With just a little bit of time set aside for stretching each day, you will most definitely become more flexible.
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