Competitive Cheerleading

Competitive Cheerleading

Competitive cheerleading is for all ages and all skill levels. Competitive cheerleading is when cheer teams compete against each other at a competition. There are tons of cheer competitions held all over the world at all times of the year. If you are looking to be a part of a competitive cheerleading team there are many different programs offered so that you can find what best fits your child’s lifestyle.

At a typical cheerleading competition, teams perform 2 and half min routines with music that includes stunts, jumps, and tumbling. Teams are judged by a panel of cheerleading experts on difficulty and execution. The winner in each division of the competition gets a trophy, bragging rights, and sometimes is offered bids to larger competitions. Teams compete based on age and difficulty level.

What Does It Take To Be a Competitive Cheerleader?   

Confidence: Cheerleaders have to feel good about themselves and their teammates in order to perform at a high level. Showmanship is a huge part of cheerleading it is our job to “WOW” the crowd.

Excellent physical conditioning: Cheerleaders have to be in good cardiovascular shape. It takes a lot of effort and energy to dance, stunt, and tumble in a fast pace cheerleading routine.

Excellent upper body strength: Cheerleaders must have good upper body strength both for tumbling and stunting.

Determination and commitment: Competitive cheerleading requires daily practice as well as off season practice and conditioning.

Good Sportsmanship: Competitive cheerleaders must work together as a team. The old cliché “There is no I in team” always applies in this sport.

Competitive cheerleading is a great way for kids of all ages to stay athletic, meet new friends, and learn life lessons that they can use in the future. This sport is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It is very exciting and rewarding at the same time. Competitive cheerleading can mold a child’s spirit and create a very driven, outgoing, confident personality.

 The author

 Natalie Gregg is from Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Natalie has been an instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association for 4 years. She earned a UCA College National Championship title in 2005 while cheering at ULM. Natalie has been coaching for the past 7 years as well as Head All-Star Cheer Coach in her home town for 3 years. She has also worked as a choreographer in the States of Louisiana and Arkansas. Cheerleading has been a part of her life for 14 years and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for this sport internationally in China!