Intro to Cheer

Entry Expectations

Athlete should demonstrate:

• Ability to follow instruction
• Willingness to perform in front of others
• Basic body awareness

No prior cheer experience required.

Developmental Objectives (VERY IMPORTANT)

Athlete should develop:

• Clean motion positions (High V, Low V, T, Touchdown)
• Strong two-foot jump mechanics
• Beginner jumps (tuck, star, toe touch intro)
• Forward roll & cartwheel basics
• Rhythm and counts (5-6-7-8)
• Performance confidence

No jump upgrades without clean landing control.

Coaching Cues

“Sharp and tight!”

“Hit and freeze.”

“Arms locked.”

“Toes pointed.”

“Land and stick.”

“Smile and sell it.”

Keep cues energetic but precise.

Common Errors & Fixes

Issue: Soft arms
→ Fix: Wall motion drills.

Issue: Bent knees on landings
→ Fix: Stick & freeze challenge.

Issue: Jumping with one foot
→ Fix: Two-foot rebound drill.

Issue: Off timing
→ Fix: Slow count practice (5-6-7-8).

Issue: Sloppy performance
→ Reset posture and repeat.

Safety & Structure Notes

• No advanced tumbling.
• Jumps on soft surface first.
• Clear spacing during jumps.
• No stunting in Intro level.
• Two poor reps → reset drill.

Safety + spacing = non-negotiable.

60-Minute Class Schedule

High energy. Clean structure.

0:00–5:00 – Welcome & Energy Set

• Line up
• Roll call
• Introduce motion of the day
• Quick energy drill

Tone = upbeat and structured.

5:00–15:00 – Dynamic Warm-Up

• Jog lap
• High knees
• Arm swings
• Jumping jacks
• Lunge stretch
• Toe touches stretch

Activate legs + shoulders.

15:00–25:00 – Motion Training Block

• High V / Low V drills
• T / Broken T
• Touchdown
• Motion freeze challenge

Wall drill works well here.

Sharp > fast.

25:00–40:00 – Jump Training Block

• Rebound jumps
• Tuck jumps
• Star jumps
• Toe touch intro

Land and freeze every rep.

No sloppy jumps.

40:00–50:00 – Beginner Tumbling Block

• Forward roll
• Cartwheel basics
• Handstand hold

Keep safe and controlled.

50:00–57:00 – Cheer Combo Practice

Teach simple 8-count combo:

Example:
High V – T – Low V – Clap
Jump – Stick – Turn – Pose

Performance matters.

57:00–60:00 – Cool Down & Performance

• Quick stretch
• Small group performance
• Positive feedback
• Dismiss with energy

Finish confident.

Class Progression Formula

1️⃣ Motion mastery
2️⃣ Jump mechanics
3️⃣ Clean landing control
4️⃣ Beginner tumbling
5️⃣ Performance confidence

No stunts at this level.

Conditioning Focus

• Core control
• Shoulder stability
• Landing mechanics
• Rhythm timing
• Performance confidence

Intro to Cheer builds foundations for:

• Cheer Level 1
• Cheer Tumbling
• Performance Teams