Cheer Dictionary
Arabesque-This is an
extended stunt where the flyer stands on one leg, usually the right leg. While
the bases are holding the straight leg the flyer lifts the other leg straight
behind her. The flyer wants to make a 90-degree angel with the straight leg.
Back
Handspring- Backwards jump onto your hands, then a quick push from your hands
to your feet. Also known as flip-flop or flick-flack.
Back Spotter- This person
helps the flyer get into the stunt, as well as, catching the flyers upper body
during a cradle. The spotter should NEVER take eyes off the flyer! The spotter
must stay behind the stunt not under it like the bases or the spotter will be
considered a base. The spotter is responsible for counting into the next stunt.
Base(s)-
This is the person(s) holding the flyer up. The base(s) should Never take their eyes off of the flyer.
Basket toss- This is a
stunt done by a maximum of four people. The flyer is tossed up in the air. When
the flyer hits the peak of the toss she can perform a peanut, toe touch, back
tuck, etc. Once they have performed the stunt the flyer snaps back into a
cradle position, so that bases can catch her.
Blades- Hands are held
straight out with fingers together and thumbs pulled up next to the pointer
finger. Fingers should be as flat as possible and not curled up.
Bow-N-Arrow- This is quit
a-bit like a heel stretch. The difference is that the extended leg is up next
to the head, and is held by the opposite hand. (So, if the left leg is up the
right arm is holding it.) The other arm is in a "T" motion.
Briefs- Matching undies
that are part of your Cheerleading uniform, worn under your skirt. Sometimes called bloomers, spankies,
tights, or lollipops.
Candle Sticks- This is
where you hold your arms straight out in fists. The part of your arm connected
to your thumb should be facing upwards.
Captain- The leader of a squad or team.
Chant- This is usually
done on the sidelines. It is a short "cheer", or phrase put with
simple motions.
Cheer- This is longer
than a "chant" more like a paragraph instead of a phrase. Put
together with motions. This can be done with pom pons, stunt(s), or tumbling
Clap- One set of fingers
is pressed tightly between the pointer finger and the thumb. Your arms should
be in Daggers with your elbows squeezing the chest.
The hands should be just below the chin.
Coach-
A person that instructs or teaches a performer, player, or team.
Competitions- An event
where squads come to test their skills against others and compete for 1st, 2nd
or 3rd place finishes.
Cradle-
An end movement where a base catch's a flyer/flier
after tossing her in the air. The base holds the flyer/flier under her thighs
and around her back.
Cupie- One base holds up a
flyer/flier with one hand. The bases arm is fully extended and both of the
flyer's feet are in the base's one hand. Also known as a
kewpie or awesome.
Dismount- A way to return
the flyer to the floor after a stunt. Returning to the floor position after a routine or
mount.
Double
Nine- A jump in which the body is bent in half, like a pike. One leg straight like a
pike with the other leg is bent. The bent leg forms a "9" by touching
the knee of the straight leg. The arms should match the formation of the legs
in a "9".
Extension- This is,
obviously, an extended stunt. The flyers legs should be shoulder width apart.
Both legs need to be locked-out.
Fists- Fingers are curled
into a fists, like you would to
punch
a bean bag. Thumbs are tightly wrapped on the out side of the fist.
Flyer- Is the person on
top of the bases, this person should not be afraid to be up high or to fall.
The flyer should hollow out her stomach and squeeze every muscle in the body.
This takes some weight off of the bases and makes the stunt (s) more solid.
Front Hurdler- A jump in
which on leg is kicked back straight out in front perpendicular to the ground,
and as high as possible. The other leg under the body, the knee should be
facing the ground. Arms are held in a "touchdown" motion.
Heel Stretch- This an extended stunt (held over the head). The flyer
should stand on one leg, typically the right leg. The other leg is held in the
air with the same hand. The flyer should aim for the arm holding the stretched
leg should be in a "High V" motion. The stretched leg should be
slightly in front of the flyers body. The other arm should be in a "High
V".
High V- Both of the arms should be help straight up at
Judge- The person or
persons delegated to score you at tryouts or your squad at competitions.
Jump- An action where both feet leave the ground;
A coordinated placement of the arms and legs while the
feet are off the ground. There are three parts to a jump; the prep/approach,
the lift, and the landing.
L- One arm overhead in a
"Touchdown" motion. The other arm is in a “T” motion. It is a right
“L” if the right arm is in the punch motion.
Low Touchdown- Both arms
are at
Low V- Both arms are held
at
Motion- This is placement
of the arms and/or legs used when cheering.
Pom Pom(s)- These are what the cheerleader and dance team some times
use during a performance. They come in different sizes and colors made out of
plastic strips gathered together and held in hands.
Punch- One arm is locked
out at
Pyramid- This is when a
group of stunts are connected or close together.
Roundoff- A basic beginner
tumbling skill. Once perfected it is used as a setup for combination tumbling skills (back handsprings etc.)
Routine- This is when
cheer(s)/chant(s), stunts, and dance is put together for a performance or
competition. The routine lasts a max of 2 minutes and 30 seconds according to Pop
Warner guidelines.
Scorpion- While in a
Side Hurdler- A jump
similar to the Herkie except your bent leg is level
with your hip instead of pointing down. There are left Side Hurdlers and right
Side Hurdlers.
Stunt- This is when there
is one or more people are in held in the air. It usually requires at least 1
base, 1 flyer, and 1 spot per stunt group. Also called a
mount.
T- Both arms are held
parallel to the ground. The palm of the hand should be facing the ground. (fists or blades doesn't matter)
Table Tops- The arms are
held out and bent at 90 degree angles. (a.k.a.
Daggers) The bottom of the arms should be parallel to the ground.
Toe
Touch- A jump in which the arms in a "T" motion. The legs should be
split, like a straddle, with the legs on opposite
sides of the body. The arms are in a "T". The goal is to have the
legs above the "T", while the back is straight. The arms should be
behind the legs. They do not actually touch the toes, even though the name
leads you to believe this.
Touchdown- Both arms are
Tuck-
Jump where you bring both knees up to your chest. Can be
used as a jump or for flipping.
Tumbling- Any gymnastic
skill used in a cheer, dance, or for crowd appeal. Can be
done as an individual or as a group in unison.