Cheer-LEADING the Crowd: Let’s get to it!

As you know- fans attend to watch the games-not the cheerleaders, but there ARE ways to get fans to appreciate and understand what you’re there for: to lead the crowd.
Getting fans to yell with you may be one of the biggest challenges as a cheerleader, but it’s also the main purpose of a cheerleader.  Here are some tips to help you and your squad get fans on their feet!

Get ’Em Ready before the Game
-Everyone loves music! If there’s an upbeat song on the radio, it’s almost impossible to ignore it! Playing music at a game can work the same way. People are already excited about watching their team play, and if you add a few spirit lifting tunes, they’ll be out of their seats.  Utilize a custom made CD as well as your band and enjoy the results!

Leading through Stunting
-When doing a crowd- leading cheer, you want to be in a stunt as if you are standing on the ground (effortless). 

Remember, you will be able to lead the crowd better if you are comfortable in the stunt. You don’t want the crowd focused on what stunt you are doing. Instead, you want them to focus on what you are yelling.
-When you do stunts in a cheer, always incorporate signs, poms, and motions. A cheerleader flashing a sign on the ground will most likely be unnoticed, but if you put the sign up high, the crowd won’t be able to ignore it!
-Half-time and time-outs are perfect for those flashy skills!   You can throw up a few basket tosses, build some pyramids, and wow the crowd! At this point, you won’t be distracting to the game, and fans will enjoy watching your skills and be impressed with your talent!

Know What's Going On
-There is nothing more frustrating to a player and fans than cheerleaders that don’t know what’s going on in the game. Watch the game. Know if your team is on offense/defense, and do a cheer that goes with the game. 

And remember when calling cheer/chants– don’t start calling them when your team needs concentration!

Have Short Simple Cheers and Motions
-It’s not necessary to tell the crowd a story with your cheers. If cheers are wordy, the crowd won’t be able to understand or follow. Stick with short cheers with easy words and the crowd will catch on to them quickly.
-Fans may not be joining in when the cheers start now, but there is no way they will ignore you if you follow these steps to great crowd involvement. Always watch the game, cheer hard, and get the crowd to yell with you. Don’t forget, that’s why you’re there!

Checklist:  Prepare for Competition!

While every squad approaches competition from a slightly different angle– here is a general checklist to use as you prepare this season:

Check Time Limits, Boundaries & Legality of Stunts 
Every competition has guidelines for maximum routine and music time. It is up to your squad to come in under the time limits. Many competitions also have boundaries which may cause trouble for squads who just use an open floor for practice. Squads also must know which stunts are legal or illegal.

Score Sheet Requirements 
Different competitions have different score sheets. Make sure you have a routine that builds points on that particular score sheet associated with the event you are attending.

Evaluate Routine for Dead Spots 
Step back from your routine and evaluate as a “judge/spectator” to  locate the places that lose the attention of the crowd.   You might want to arrange a Choreography Clean up Clinic to provide a fresh set of eyes.   Place sharp filler motions or something in these spots to keep the continuity of the routine.

Evaluate Consistency of Stunts 
If any stunt is not hitting on a consistent basis then it is guaranteed not to hit under pressure. When in doubt "water it down." The squad needs perform with confidence!

Synchronize Everything 
Motions, dance, tumbling, tops in stunts, bases in stunts, when to walk, when to clap, everything– and do it sharp.

Have Fun 
This is the time the stress level starts to rise at an incredible rate. Stop and talk about it. Work as a team- rely on each other.  Remember, this should be fun or it's not worth it.

Build Confidence
Again, talk about it. Work on building your confidence level. Take the floor as a team not as a group of individuals.

Perform in Front of a Crowd
Work out some of the nerves– the more performance times the better!

Make sure to have Backup copies of your Music
After you are positive your times are under the limit, make a few copies of the music and put different people in charge of it.

Be Prepared for any Outcome
Only one team will win in your division. If you don't place where you wanted to, then evaluate what you could have done better. It is always easier to blame and much harder to step back, evaluate, and grow from there. Also, if you do win, represent your school or gym with class. People will look forward to seeing you at the next competition
if you do!

How to Choose a Cheerleading Competition

Competition plays an important role for many cheerleading squads all across the U.S. and abroad. But, selecting the best competition for your squad can be a complicated and intimidating task because of all the different companies and institutions that host cheerleading events. So it's important to ask the right questions to make sure your squad is choosing the most beneficial, and fun, competition for you. Keep these basics in mind:

What type of squad do I have?
The first category to consider is the type of squad you have (junior high, high school, collegiate, all-star, etc.) to make sure the competition features your particular category. Don't forget to double check any gender requirements, since some competitions are girls only, and others permit co-ed squads. Many competitions may also break down squads by school or team size: small (12 or fewer participants), medium (13 to 16), and large (17 to 20). These numbers may change depending on who is hosting the competition.

How much do I want to spend?
Most competitions charge very reasonable fees, but the cost of getting there can sometimes add. Things such as an overnight stay, bus or airline transportation, and spending money should be looked at very closely to make sure it’s affordable for all.
Some squads are limited to when and where they can compete. You should always know in advance when and where the competition is to inform those parents and friends who want to attend and support your squad!

Who is hosting the event?
Different organizations sponsor these competitions and often have different sets of rules and regulations. Be sure to check with a representative of the sponsoring organization to cover all aspects of its rules and regulations. If you can, get a copy of their rules for yourself so that you have them to go by when making up your routine.

Keep in touch with UCA & Your Apparel Rep!

Whether on the field or out in your community- your Varsity Apparel reps give you the means to promote school spirit!  Did you know- your rep is here to help you with:  Uniform orders, Camp gear, practice gear, filler orders, spirit raising props, Fund-raising ideas, Camp and Competition info and registration, and MORE!

Be sure you are keeping in touch with YOUR local rep– so she can make sure you have all you need for a successful cheer season!

Heather Almageur: 305-233-5334
Emilee Ebrill: 954-547-7745
Chrstina Gold:  850-386-2981
Vanessa LaRue: 813-380-7413
Gina Davis: 850-769-3914
Melissa Austin: 850-494-0717
Holiday Gates:  239-494-8223

Are you on my email list?

I send emails every week with GREAT updates from UCA and the cheer world– if you aren’t getting emails from me– let me know! I would love to keep you up to date on the latest cheer news!

Kat Frisk
UCA– Florida State Director (West)
866-451-4633 (toll free)
Kfrisk@uca.com

CONTACT ME– for any CHEER needs you have!