Cheerleading is a very popular activity for a lot of young men and women. Often cheerleaders begin cheering in elementary or middle school and if they are good enough, they may get into the professional competitions. There is some debate over whether it is a sport or not, but if you ask anyone who is involved with it; their answer will be a unanimous, “YES”. This is because it is a very physical activity that takes skills and endurance. However, most can also tell you that it is more than a sport, it is a way of life and a way to show your support for others.
The Challenge of Cheering
It may sound simple enough, but cheering is far from simple. It takes athletic ability, hours of practice, and a desire to constantly become better than you are. It is not something that just anyone is able to do. A lot of people who tryout for it are quick to discover that although they may get the words right or the steps somewhat right, they lack the spirt that is required to get people excited. They may not be able to hold their body firmly in the positions that make a good cheer move great. They may not be able to keep up with the beat or stay in unison with others. It is true that with enough practice, all of these things can be worked out; but not all of them. In general, you either have what it takes, or you are going to be happier cheering in the stands. The best of the best are rewarded with the chance to take part in competitions to prove that they are indeed the best at what they do.
Cheerleading Competitions
In a competition, two teams of cheerleaders will go head to head to see who is the best. They are selected by their abilities and then they must put together a two-and-a-half-minute routine which will include music for them to dance to. Their routines must include stunts, tumbles, jumps, and more. They are judged on their abilities and the difficulty of the performance. Everything has to be executed as perfectly as they are able to do it.
Some cheering squads are not active in school or at games. They are built to perform in competitions only. Either way, it is challenging and if you are interested, you are encouraged to get to a gym in your area to see what options you have available.