Cheerleaders as Siblings & Teammates

Cheerleaders or coaches may be wary of having siblings on the same cheer squad because of potential conflicts, but there are actually many advantages to siblings as teammates. The close-knit relationships siblings share serve as a foundation of having a supportive and trustworthy team member, and improving a cheer squad’s unity. Cheerleaders should not only cheer for the teams and schools they represent, they should also cheer for their teammates, including siblings on the squad, in and out of practice. Siblings have an advantage on the practice mat and during performances because of their shared past. Since they have already lived together for so many years, they have learned how to cooperate with one another. Practices and cheer competitions can be stressful, but siblings are keen on reading and understanding each other’s emotional needs. In the case that one is going through a challenge or conflict at practice or competition, the other can be there to work through the issue together and with more success because of previous experiences. Each sibling understands the specific needs of the other and how to communicate effectively, which is especially important in the supportive role as a teammate. In addition, siblings can motivate each other at home to encourage eating well and to have someone to work out together with in order to set the standard and be the best that they can be. Practicing with a partner and having someone to keep you accountable all the time can make the difference in improvement for physical shape as well as attitude. Just because cheerleaders that are siblings already spend most of their time at home together does not mean they should be separated from each other at cheer practice. Trust in stunting is one of the biggest requirements a cheerleader needs to have when it comes to these activities. Cheerleaders need someone they trust to catch them when they are thrown through the air during routines. This allows full confidence in the team, which can be especially apparent during performances. That’s why it’s perfect to have siblings in the same stunt group. Cheerleaders know they can count on their sibling to be there to catch them at the conclusion of each stunt. Healthy competition that usually exists in sibling relationships is a great way to motivate each other. Each sibling can push the other to continue working and improving on specific skills such as tumbling and stunting. If one sibling is better than another at a cheer skill, the more skilled one, regardless of age order ranking, has the opportunity to build on their relationship by being a coach to the other, thus strengthening their relationship even more. Teammates who are siblings showcase the great ways to use the advantages of communication, trust, and support to make your cheerleading squad even stronger.