How To Do An Around The World Jump

Welcome back to Fitness Friday’s “How To” cheerleading series! This series will walk you through the how to’s for cheerleading jumps and moves, from basic to advanced. This week will continue with jumps, focusing on the Around The World jump (also known as the Pike Out). This jump is a combination of the pike jump and the toe touch, which were both covered previously in this month’s fitness series. It is a great jump for flexible, advanced level performers who have mastered their jump entry, pike jump and toe touch. Don’t worry if this jump sounds confusing, we’ve included step-by-step illustrations below to help guide you! If you don’t have your jump entry down yet, take a minute to recap the first 4 steps for entering a jump! To perform and complete an around the world jump, add these steps after your 4 basic jump entry steps: Step 5: Keeping your legs together, pull them straight out in front of you at a 90 degree angle, bringing them up to your chest as high as you can. At the same time, lean your upper body forward and reach for your pointed toes, keeping your arms straight and your hands in a fist. Try to keep your legs and arms parallel to the ground during your jump. Step 6: Open and rotate your hips to bring your legs parallel to the ground in a “V” position, while swinging your arms into a “T” Step 7: Upon landing from your jump, bend your knees slightly to absorb any shock. Bend your arms toward you and pull them into your chest, with your hands in fists. Straighten your knees and clap for the finishing touch. *While executing each of these steps, make sure they are done quickly and consecutively of each other. It is supposed to look like one continual motion. Tips For Cheerleading Jumps Try practicing on a trampoline. Stretch, stretch, stretch! You need to be flexible to perform cheerleading jumps! Don’t quite have your pike perfected and worried about making the team look bad? Don’t fret! As long as you keep your arms high and tight, your team will be in unison and looking good! Use your stomach muscles and pull your legs up towards your chest. Leaning forward will stunt the height of your jump. During official team practice, and when you practice on your own, make sure you are wearing stable and supportive cheerleading shoes to avoid injuries. Have your own tips for getting cheerleading jumps just right? We want to hear from you!