Jumps and motions are always used in all cheer routines and are a vital part of getting the audiences attention. When doing a jump, it is very important to do it correctly or you could be injured. The cleaner they look the better they look. And nothing gets a crowd pumped better than a great jump. Motions are the most important and frequently used property of cheerleading. Weather it’s a cheer, try outs, a dance, or a half time routine you will always use motions. The sharper and more precise a motion is, the more together your squad will look. You will also look more professional and more mature then a squad that doesn’t do sharp motions. Here are the basic jumps and motions that are most frequently used in cheerleading.

The toe touch is the most popular jump that a cheerleader does. It is a very difficult jump that requires a lot of flexibility and strength. In this jump you must stretch your arms straight outward and reach towards your feet while your legs are in a side-split. Keep your hands open and your palms flat facing the ground. Bring your legs up and then reach out, not down. Remember to keep your head, chest, and shoulders high. Point your toes and keep your knees and shoe laces facing up!

The Herkie is named after Lawrence Herkimer (pictured at the left) who started the first cheerleading company and ran the first cheerleading camp in 1940. Sometimes this jump is called the side hurdler, but not very often. In this jump you will jump into the air while bending your back leg up towards you and stretching the front one. First, prep your jump. Then bring one leg up towards you while bringing your back leg behind you and bending it. This is a difficult jump, but for most girls is easier than a pike or a toe touch.

The pike is a jump that isn’t as common, but is still used in cheerleading. When doing a pike, you will prep and then bring both feet up towards your hands as though you are folding in half. When doing a pike it is almost as though you are sitting on the ground and bending over to touch your toes. That feeling is what you should have when doing a pike. Always keep your knees straight and point your toes and all jumps.

A “T” is one of the most commonly used motions. To do a “T” stretch both arms out straight from your shoulders. You should look like you are holding a long stick from one hand to the other, sort of like a scarecrow. From your shoulders down to your toes you should look just like an upper case letter “t” just like the name of the motion.

To form a bucket, face your palm to the ground, and make a fist. Stretch your arms straight out in front of you like a “T” but with your fists facing in the front of your body. Think of carrying a bucket of water in each hand and remember to keep your arms straight to make it look clean!

A Punch Up can be performed standing, kneeling, or while flying in a stunt. To do a Punch Up put one arm on your waist like you are putting your hands on your hips but with one hand. Then punch the other one up into the air right above your head. It is a very powerful motion that is great for up in stunts or in a cheer.

There are many more motions and jumps that are more difficult in cheerleading. By practicing with your squad and at home on your own you will improve and look cleaner and more together. Start with the basics and work your way up. You’ll be cheering like a pro in no time!