How to Cheer

Are you interested in learning more about how to cheer? It’s not hard and can be taught very quickly. Anyone of any age can learn how to cheer, even if you’re only five. Understanding how to do a cheer only involves a few simple steps. There are a few things you need to learn to understand how to start and finish a cheer. First, you should always remember that everyone makes mistakes! If you mess up while cheering, it is okay. The best thing you can do is keep going and never let it stop you! 

Below there are eleven easy to follow steps which will teach you or a friend how to cheer. You don’t need anything with you to learn the cheer, just make sure you have soft floor and a quiet room to practice in. The cheer shouldn’t take you long, read over the steps carefully and then try doing it yourself. It’s a super easy step-by-step process!

Supplies

Step 1: Learn the Words to the Cheer

The words are very important to a sideline cheer. If a cheerleader does not know the words to the sideline cheer, the motions are harder to learn. The words to the cheer being taught in this set of instructions are, “W-I-N Fight to Win!” The “-” between the letters W, I, and N symbolize that you say the letter. It is key for cheerleaders to know the words for every cheer they perform to enhance the cheer and make sure the crowd hears them. When performing, cheerleaders should always be sure to say the words loudly and clearly. A good tip for cheerleaders that helps them from losing their voice is yelling from your diaphragm. When cheerleaders yell from their diaphragm, they refrain from straining their vocal cords. 

Step 2: First Motion: Broken T

This motion corresponds with the “W”. To perform a broken T, you must hold both your arms at chest level while bending them inwards. Your hand should be in a fist (a proper cheerleading fist has your thumb wrapped around your hand, not tucked into the fist), with your thumb facing towards you and your pinky facing the audience. Be sure to make motions sharp and clean. 

Step 3: Second Motion: Punch Down

This motion corresponds with the “I”. Your arms should still be in the broken T position, from here you will punch your arms downward while crossing your hands. Your hands should remain in a fist and your knuckles should be facing the audience. Be sure that you are keeping motions clean, especially during transitions between motions. 

Step 4: Third Motion: High V

This motion corresponds with the “N”. To perform a high V, you will sharply move your arms from the punch position to form a V with your arms. Your hands should stay in fists and your thumbs should be facing the audience. Your arms should be locked and straight, be sure that your elbows are not bent. Be sure you are sharp with this motion. 

Step 5: Fourth Motion: Punch and Hand on Hip

This motion corresponds with “Fight”. To achieve this motion, you will place your left arm on your hip. Your left hand remains in a fist with your knuckles facing the audience. As you move your left arm to your hip, you should be simultaneously moving your right arm into a punch position. This means you place your right arm straight up next to your temple. This hand should also stay in a fist with your pinky finger pointing towards the crowd. 

Step 6: Fifth Motion: Punch Pump

This motion corresponds with “to”. To complete the punch pump, you will keep your left hand on your hip as you did in step 5. You will then bend your right elbow and bring your arm straight down. Be sure to keep your arm straight and vertical to your body and that your motions sharp. 

Step 7: Sixth Motion: Punch and Hand on Hip

This motion corresponds with “Win!”. Repeat step 5 to accomplish this motion. Be sure to make motions sharp and clear.

Step 8: Practice Words and Motions Together

Starting from the beginning, run through each motion with its corresponding word. Continue reviewing motion with words until you have memorized it. Make sure your timing matches up with each motion and word. 

Step 9: Ready Position

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Your toes should be facing forwards. Place both hands on the hip. Your hands should be in proper cheerleading fist with your knuckles facing forwards. 

Step 10: Call the Cheer

Say the cheer loud enough to be heard by everyone. You do not perform any motions during this step. You should stay in your ready position while the cheer is being called. 

Step 11: Perform the Cheer

After the cheer is called, begin performing the cheer. You will complete the cheer 3 times with motions. Be loud and make sure your words sound clear. Make sure your motions are clean and sharp. Remember to always smile and spread cheer!

Step 12: Conclusion

Wasn’t that easy! Now you know how to complete a cheer. If you understand each step clearly, try repeating these steps one by one to understand and perfect your motions. If you need more time to learn, just practice reading over the cheers and memorizing them one at a time. After you have made sure you memorized all motions and words, you can try and perform it. If you learn your cheer and can perform it well, you can even try teaching others how to cheer. Overall, practicing and reviewing your cheer will help your routine become sharp and clear. Remember to always smile while you are cheering. The sole purpose of cheerleaders is to spread joy. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are lots more to cheer than just sideline cheers with motions. You can find other instructions on jumps, stunts, tumbling, halftime performances, banner making, dances, and so much more!