Cheerleading is an exhilarating sport that requires athleticism, coordination, and dance skills to execute the various jumps, stunts, and routines. One of the fundamentals of cheerleading is mastering the basic jumps, which provide the foundation for more advanced techniques. Executing clean, high basic jumps wows crowds and judges during cheerleading competitions and performances. That’s why learning the proper form and technique for the 5 basic cheerleading jumps should be the priority for any new or aspiring cheerleader.
The 5 basic cheerleading jumps that every cheerleader should know are the toe touch, pike, hurdler, spread eagle, and tuck. These fundamental jumps are classics for a reason. They help improve overall leg strength, vertical leap, and aerial awareness. Most importantly, consistently practicing basic cheerleading jumps ensures you have excellent form, height, and control in the air. This gives you the skills needed to safely perform more challenging jumps as you advance in your cheerleading journey.
This article will provide step-by-step instructions to master the proper execution of the 5 basic cheerleading jumps. We’ll go over common mistakes to avoid, drills to improve height and technique, and tips for seamlessly incorporating the basic jumps into dynamic cheer routines. With focus and perseverance, any motivated cheerleader can go from beginner to skilled jumper. So let’s get started with learning the core jumps that will wow crowds today and provide the foundation to become an elite cheerleader!
The 5 Basic Jumps
Toe Touch
The toe touch is one of the most basic cheerleading jumps, but proper execution is key. To perform a toe touch:
- Start with feet together and arms overhead in a high V position.
- Dip down into a squat while swinging arms back.
- Explode upwards, straightening legs in a tight vertical jump.
- At the peak of your jump, reach forward to touch your toes. Keep legs straight and together.
- Land with feet together in a plié, absorbing impact through your legs. Arms return overhead.
Common mistakes are not getting full extension before touching toes or letting legs drift apart in the air. Focus on engaging your core and squeezing legs together tight throughout the jump. Work on increasing height and holding your tight form.
Pike
The pike jump requires flexibility and control. To properly execute:
- Begin standing with feet together, arms extended overhead.
- Dip into a squat, swinging arms back to help propel your jump.
- As you leave the ground, lift legs as close to vertical as you can while keeping legs straight.
- At the peak of your jump, bend forward at the hips to touch your toes. Legs stay together.
- Land with knees bent to absorb impact. Arms swing forward on landing.
Avoid letting your legs drift apart or arching your back too much. Use core strength to maintain control and stick the landing. Repeat pike jumps focusing on height and a tight vertical line in the air.
Hurdler
The hurdler teaches accountability and body awareness for each leg and arm. To complete a hurdler:
- Start in a lunge position with one leg forward, arms extended at your sides.
- Push off the front leg, swinging arms up to lift off the ground.
- As you jump up, raise the front leg bent at 90 degrees, and reach the opposite arm forward.
- Land gently on the front leg first, absorbing impact through your legs.
- Reverse and repeat, switching which leg and arm extend forward.
Prevent this jump from becoming sloppy by focusing on tight core control, full range of motion, and sticking each landing. Vary front and side hurdlers to improve coordination.
Spread Eagle
The spread eagle jump showcases maximum aerial extension. To execute properly:
- Begin with feet together, arms extended in a high V.
- Dip into a squat before exploding up, driving arms down to assist.
- At the peak of your jump, spread legs into a straddle and reach arms out wide.
- Hold the fully extended spread eagle position for a second.
- Bring legs and arms back to starting position and land with control.
Work on getting maximum height while maintaining tight form throughout. Don’t let legs bow outwards or forget pointed toes. Increase height gradually while sticking the landing.
Tuck Jump
The tuck jump develops explosive power. To perform:
- Start with feet together and knees bent in a semi-squat with arms extended.
- Swing arms back quickly to help propel your body upwards into a vertical jump.
- Drive knees upwards towards your chest at the peak.
- Extend legs back towards the ground, landing softly with knees bent.
Common mistakes are not tucking knees high enough or letting legs drift apart. Jump as high as you can while maintaining a tight tuck. Stick each landing and absorb impact with your legs.
Perfecting the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the technique for each basic jump, daily drills will refine form and increase height. Try:
- Tuck jump burpees: From a squat, explode into a tuck jump and immediately drop back into a squat on landing. Repeat.
- Pike tap backs: Perform pike jumps, touching back toe on landing before immediately exploding into the next jump.
- Hurdler zig-zags: Combine front and side hurdlers in a zig-zag drill across the floor. Focus on height and stick each landing.
- Spread eagle jump squats: Drop into a squat position after each spread eagle jump. Stand up and repeat.
- Rapid fire toe touches: Execute continuous crisp toe touches, focusing on maximum height.
Spotting and Safety
As you work on aerial skills, utilize spotters to ensure safety. Spotters stand on each side, ready to assist you if you lose balance or control coming down from jumps. Always land jumps on a mat for extra padding and injury prevention.
Incorporating Jumps into Routines
Once mastered, incorporate these basic cheerleading jumps into dynamic routines to wow crowds. Combine jumps together or with other skills like cheers, dance, or tumbling. Vary heights and timing to add visual interest. Continually practice basic jumps even as you advance to keep foundations sharp.
Conclusion
Mastering the 5 basic cheerleading jumps of the toe touch, pike, hurdler, spread eagle, and tuck provides a strong foundation for cheerleaders of all skill levels. With dedication to proper technique and continued drill work, any motivated athlete can go from struggling beginner to skilled jumper. Safely performing clean, high basic jumps will get the crowds cheering at competitions and games. You’ll gain the fundamental aerial awareness and control required to advance to more difficult cheerleading skills. So put in the work perfecting your toe touch, pike, hurdler, spread eagle, and tuck. You’ll wow the judges today, and build the skills of an elite cheerleader for tomorrow.