Cheerleading jumps get more difficult as a cheerleader gets more experience. The Hurdler Jump is not often required for cheerleading tryouts, but it is a cheer choreography staple at performances and competitions. It’s important for a cheerleader to master jump entry before moving on to an advanced jump. Your body will build muscle memory when you perform the steps for a basic entry in repetition, which will make your technique flawless. Don’t forget to stretch and warm up! How To Perform A Hurdler Jump for Cheerleading Click above to view larger image Start your jump entry with your feet together, your arms straight down on your side and your hands in fists. Clap your hands and then put your arms into a High V position, and slightly bend your knees. Cross your arms into an X and swing them down. Don’t just pull your arms down – swing them to help you build momentum for your jump. Your arms will uncross after lining up with your knees. As you continue to swing your arm motion back out and up, bend your knees even more, and spring up and launch yourself into the air. Continue pulling your arms back up into a High V motion. Jump straight up with your head and chest up and your back straight. Once you are off the ground, one leg will go into a toe touch position and the other leg will be bent, but parallel to the ground. Your arms and head may bend slightly forward, but as a rule you should be pulling your leg up, not pushing your head down. Pull your legs back together as you are coming down. Your legs should be together when your feet hit the ground, and you should bend your knees to absorb the shock. As you are landing, you’ll also start pulling your arms down. After your feet hit the ground, you’ll bring your arms straight down by your side, keeping your hands in fists. Straighten your knees once you are steady, and finish the jump with a basic cheer clap. While executing these each of these steps, make sure they are down quickly and consecutively of each other, so your jump will be one continual, smooth and powerful motion The Hurdler Jump is often confused with the Herkie Jump. The difference between a Herkie and a Hurdler is arm position and your bent knee position. The Herkie jump is performed with your arms in a motion punch position and your bent knee perpendicular to the ground. The Hurdler jump is performed with your arms in a “V” and your bent knee parallel to the ground. Check back next week for the step-by-step guide to performing the Herkie Jump!
Cheerleading Skill Review: Visual Guide To The Hurdler Jump
