Cheerleading Basics

Introduction & Assessment

Watch cheerleading videos on YouTube — search for "cheerleading basics for beginners" and notice how cheerleaders use sharp arm motions, big smiles, and loud voices all at the same time. Pay attention to how squads stay in sync. Then stand in front of a mirror and try a few basic arm positions: a "T" (arms straight out to the sides), a "High V" (arms up like a V), and a "Low V" (arms down like a V). Notice how your posture changes with each shape. No experience needed — you are just looking and trying things out. You are ready for the next step when you can name and demonstrate three basic arm positions from memory.

Foundation Building

Cheerleading is built on two things: strong arms and a loud, clear voice. Practice your arm motions every day — T, High V, Low V, Daggers (fists on hips), and Touchdown (both arms straight up). Keep your fists tight and your elbows locked. At the same time, work on projecting your voice. Stand outside or in a big room and chant "Let's go, team!" so someone 30 feet away can hear you clearly. Search "beginner cheer arm motions tutorial" on YouTube for free visual guides. Utah Recreation Centers like the Magna and Taylorsville rec centers sometimes offer cheer open gyms — worth checking! You are ready for the next step when you can perform five clean arm motions in a row with tight fists and a straight posture.

Skill Development

Now you add jumps and simple cheer sequences. Start with the easiest jump: the Tuck. Swing your arms from a Low V up to a High V, then jump and pull your knees toward your chest. Land softly with bent knees to protect your joints. Practice jumping on a soft surface or grass. Next, learn a short two-line cheer — something like "We are the best, forget the rest!" — and match your arm motions to the words. Search "how to do a cheer tuck jump" on YouTube to see proper form. Practice your jump 10 times each session, and try recording yourself to see your progress. You are ready for the next step when you can land a Tuck jump with control and say a short cheer with matching motions.

Practice & Refinement

This step is about putting it all together and smoothing out the rough spots. Build a 30-second routine that includes: an opening cheer, at least one jump, and a strong finishing pose. Run through it five times in a row without stopping. Then film yourself and watch it back — look for arms that are not fully extended, a voice that drops out, or landings that are too stiff. Fix one thing at a time. If you want partner work, find a friend to practice a basic shoulder sit or a simple two-person stunt prep — but only with a spotter present. You are ready for the next step when you can perform your 30-second routine start to finish without pausing or losing your place.

Challenge Mode

Push yourself by learning two harder skills: the Herkie jump (one leg kicks out to the side, the other bends behind you) and a simple 8-count cheer dance combo. Search "how to do a Herkie jump cheerleading" on YouTube for step-by-step breakdowns. For the dance combo, pick a short section of an upbeat song and choreograph 8 counts of footwork that you can add to your routine. Practice your full routine with the new skills added in. If you can visit a cheer open gym in Salt Lake County, go — practicing on a spring floor makes a big difference. You are ready for the next step when you can perform the Herkie jump and your 8-count dance combo cleanly inside your full routine.

Mastery Demonstration

Show what you have learned by performing your complete routine for a real audience — a family member, friend, or small group. Introduce yourself and your cheer before you start. After your performance, teach one person the arm motions to a short cheer so they can do it with you. Record the performance and compare it to your very first video from Step 1. Write down three things you improved and one thing you still want to work on. Look into youth cheer programs through Utah Spirit Athletics or SLC Parks and Rec if you want to keep going. You are ready for the next step when you have performed your full routine live for at least one other person and taught someone else a basic cheer motion.