How To Do Basic Cheerleading Stances Part 3

Being a cheerleader is more than just looking pretty and being loud. Part of a cheerleader’s skill set includes being able to hit very precise motions and stances, and knowing when to use each one. Each member of a cheerleading team must perfect their stances so that their team operates as a unit and receives the maximum number of cheers from the audience and points from the judges. While a cheerleader’s basic motions are the backbone of her ability, her stances are the support system. A motion will miss the mark completely without the body being in a tight, formatted stance. Most moves and stunt forms in cheerleading are an extension of a basic stance, so it is always good to learn through progression, starting with the basics. This is a general overview of some basic cheer stances with the focus being the position of the legs. You may perform them, or see them performed, slightly different. Lunges Your arms can hit many motions while in a front or side lunge stance. Here are examples of the most commonly paired cheer motions, the T and the V. The side lunge can be done either to the left or right side. Side Lunge with T Your legs should be just further than shoulder width apart with your feet facing forward. Bend one leg at the knee, while at the same time turning that foot out and away from your body. You can angle the straight foot slightly away from your body on your other side to help keep your balance. Your body will respond to its position by dipping down slightly. Make sure that you move with that dip, but continue to stand straight with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Extend your arms from your shoulders so that they are parallel with the ground. Keep your hands in fists with your thumbs facing out and your pinkies facing back. Front Lunge with T Step forward with one foot and place that foot flat on the ground. Bend your forward leg slightly at the knee, while keeping your back leg straight. You can angle the back foot slightly away from your body to help keep your balance. Your body will respond to its position by dipping down slightly. Make sure that you move with that dip, but continue to stand straight with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Extend your arms from your shoulders so that they are parallel with the ground. Keep your hands in fists with your thumbs facing out and your pinkies facing back. You can do a right or left side lunge. You can also do a Half T motion with either lunge position. Side Lunge with High V Your legs should be just further than shoulder width apart with your feet facing forward. Bend one leg at the knee, while at the same time turning that foot out and away from your body. You can angle the straight foot slightly away from your body on your other side to help keep your balance. Your body will respond to its position by dipping down slightly. Make sure that you move with that dip, but continue to stand straight with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Extend your arms upwards and at a 45-degree angle from your head with your hands in fists. Keep your thumbs facing out and your pinkies facing back. Front Lunge with High V Step forward with one foot and place that foot flat on the ground. Bend your forward leg slightly at the knee, while keeping your back leg straight. You can angle the back foot slightly away from your body to help keep your balance. Your body will respond to its position by dipping down slightly. Make sure that you move with that dip, but continue to stand straight with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Extend your arms upwards and at a 45-degree angle from your head with your hands in fists. Keep your thumbs facing out and your pinkies facing back. You can do a right or left side lunge. You can also do a Low V motion with either lunge position Resting Stances When a squad isn’t doing a cheer or routine, they utilize resting stances to keep their look uniformed and tight. Here are 2 common resting stances. Standing Rest The standing rest is often used at football games. Your legs will be shoulder width apart, or together. Be sure to keep a slight bend in your knees. Locking your knees and standing for an extended period of time can result in dizziness and fainting. Your arms should be folded behind your back, one resting on top of the other. The top arm’s palm will be facing down, positioned so that the fingers are at the elbow fold. The bottom arm’s palm will be facing up, positioned so that the fingers reach the elbow. Stand with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Sitting Rest The sitting rest is often used at basketball games. While sitting, tuck one leg behind you and pull it slightly to the side. You want the leg resting next to your body; do not sit on it. The other leg should cross in front of your body with the bottom of your foot resting against your other leg’s thigh. Your front knee will be facing sideways, away from your body. Your hands can be on your hips or on the ankle of your front leg. Sit with your shoulders back, your head up and your face forward. Learn more basic cheerleading stances in these articles: Basic Cheerleading Stances: Part 1 Basic Cheerleading Stances: Part 2 Ready to start practicing your cheerleading moves? Stock up on all the gear and apparel you need from Chasse Cheer, available exclusively from Omni Cheer or Campus TeamWear.