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The Ridiculousness of Competitive Cheer not being in the 2028 Olympics

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
will cheerleading be in the 2028 olympics?
29
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 29, 2024

We were all hopeful when the cheer was granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 20, 2021. However, the recent announcement that competitive cheer will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has everyone wondering why. I’m going to run through the criteria the IOC demands for a sport to be included and how cheer meets every measure of this criteria.

The Criteria for Olympic Inclusion

To be considered for the Olympics, a sport must meet several criteria set by the IOC. These include:

  1. Environmental Sustainability: The sport must have minimal environmental impact.
  2. Scoring Complexity: The sport must have an easy to understand scoring system
  3. Universality: It should be practiced widely across the globe.
  4. Gender Equality: The sport must promote and ensure gender equality.
  5. Integrity and Fairness: The sport must have clear rules and be governed by a body that ensures fair play.
  6. Popularity: The sport should have a significant following and be popular in various regions.
  7. Host Country Interest: The host country’s interest in the sport can influence its inclusion.
  8. Athlete Safety: The sport must ensure the safety of its participants.
  9. Cost: The cost of hosting the sport should be reasonable

Okay, that’s the Olympics’ list of criteria for inclusion, now let’s break down each point and show why cheer fits each one.

Olympic sports cheer

1. Environmental Sustainability: The Sport Must Have Minimal Environmental Impact

One of the criteria for a sport to be included in the Olympics is its environmental sustainability. This means the sport should have a minimal environmental impact, aligning with the Olympic Movement’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of our planet.

Understanding the Criterion

The IOC’s emphasis on environmental sustainability includes considerations such as:

  • Resource Usage: The sport should not require extensive use of non-renewable resources or cause significant environmental degradation. This includes considerations of the materials used in equipment and facilities.
  • Energy Consumption: The sport should not have high energy demands that could lead to excessive carbon emissions. This includes both the energy needed to host the event and the energy required for day-to-day training and operations.
  • Waste Management: The sport should have effective waste management practices in place, minimizing waste generation and ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
  • Biodiversity Impact: The sport should avoid activities that harm local ecosystems or wildlife.

The Ridiculousness of this

While the intention behind this criterion is laudable, applying it uniformly across all sports can seem ridiculous, especially in the context of competitive cheer. Here’s why:

  1. Competitive Cheer’s Low Environmental Impact: Unlike sports that require large fields, specialized infrastructure, or significant travel, competitive cheer typically takes place in existing facilities like gyms or multipurpose arenas. The environmental impact of competitive cheer events is minimal compared to other sports like golf, which can involve maintaining extensive courses, or motorsports, which have high fuel consumption and emissions.
  2. Equipment and Facilities: The equipment used in competitive cheer, such as mats and uniforms, does not have a significant environmental footprint, especially when compared to the extensive gear needed for sports like cycling or skiing.
  3. Energy Consumption: competitive cheer competitions and practices do not demand high energy usage. They are typically held indoors and do not require the intense lighting, heating, or cooling that some other sports do.
  4. Waste Management: competitive cheer events generate minimal waste compared to large-scale outdoor sports events, which often involve significant waste from spectators and participants.
  5. Biodiversity Impact: competitive cheer activities do not interfere with natural habitats or wildlife, unlike sports that take place in natural settings, such as sailing or equestrian events.

Comparisons with Other Sports

To illustrate the absurdity of applying this criterion strictly to competitive cheer, consider the following comparisons:

  • Golf: Maintaining golf courses requires vast amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, all of which have significant environmental impacts. Despite this, golf is included in the Olympics.
  • Sailing: Sailing events often impact marine ecosystems and involve extensive travel and logistics.
  • Equestrian Sports: These require substantial land use and maintenance, along with the care and transportation of horses.

2. Complex Scoring System: A Barrier to competitive cheer’s Olympic Inclusion

One of the critical reasons competitive cheer was not included in the 2028 Olympic Games is its complex scoring system. This intricacy poses a significant barrier to the sport’s appeal among the general public and decision-makers. Let’s dive deeper into why the scoring system is considered complex, how it impacts competitive cheer’s visibility and popularity, and why this reason is arguably ridiculous.

Understanding competitive cheer’s Scoring System

competitive cheer routines are judged based on a variety of elements, each contributing to the final score. These elements include:

  1. Difficulty: The complexity of stunts, pyramids, tumbling passes, and jumps. Teams are rewarded for incorporating more challenging skills.
  2. Execution: How well the team performs the routine, focusing on technique, precision, and synchronization.
  3. Creativity: The uniqueness and innovation of the choreography, including formations and transitions.
  4. Overall Performance: The energy, enthusiasm, and engagement of the team throughout the routine.
  5. Deductions: Penalties for mistakes such as falls, incomplete stunts, or safety violations.

Each of these categories is scored on a detailed rubric, which can vary between different competitive cheer organizations and competitions. Judges need to assess numerous aspects within a short time frame, leading to a detailed and multifaceted scoring process

Olympics 2028 cheerleading

The Complexity for Viewers

For viewers unfamiliar with the sport, this scoring system can be overwhelming and difficult to follow. Unlike sports where the scoring is straightforward (e.g., a goal in soccer or a basket in basketball), competitive cheer’s scoring involves understanding technical elements and subjective judgments. This complexity can lead to several issues:

  1. Lack of Immediate Clarity: Spectators might find it challenging to understand why one routine scores higher than another, especially when the differences are based on nuanced technicalities.
  2. Engagement: The difficulty in understanding the scoring can reduce viewer engagement. Sports with transparent scoring systems tend to attract more viewers because the audience can easily follow the progression and stakes of the competition.
  3. Appeal to Broad Audiences: For a sport to be included in the Olympics, it needs to appeal to a broad, global audience. The complexity of competitive cheer’s scoring can make it less accessible to new viewers, limiting its widespread appeal.

Why This Reason is Ridiculous

Despite the points above, the argument that competitive cheer’s complex scoring system is a reason for its exclusion from the Olympics is arguably ridiculous for several reasons:

  1. Precedent of Complex Sports: Many Olympic sports have complex scoring systems that have not prevented their inclusion. Gymnastics, figure skating, and diving, for example, all have intricate scoring that requires expert understanding. These sports have been part of the Olympics for years, and their complexity is managed through comprehensive commentary and educational efforts.
  2. Educational Opportunities: The complexity of competitive cheer scoring can be mitigated with proper education and commentary. Broadcasters can explain the scoring elements, much like they do for gymnastics and figure skating, making it easier for viewers to follow and appreciate the performances.
  3. Engagement Through Innovation: Sports with complex scoring can still engage viewers through innovative presentation. Real-time scoring graphics, detailed breakdowns, and interactive features can help demystify the scoring process for audiences.
  4. Growing Popularity: competitive cheer is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide, with increasing participation and viewership. Its inclusion in the Olympics could further boost its visibility and understanding, similar to how gymnastics and figure skating have benefitted from Olympic exposure.

Comparisons with Other Sports

To further illustrate the point, let’s compare competitive cheer’s scoring system with that of other sports:

  • Gymnastics: While gymnastics also has a detailed scoring system, it benefits from a longer history in the Olympics and a more established public understanding. Commentators often help demystify the scoring by explaining deductions and bonuses in real-time.
  • Figure Skating: Similar to gymnastics, figure skating has a complex scoring system but is well-supported by commentators who explain the intricacies to the audience. Over time, viewers have become more familiar with the scoring elements.
  • Diving: Diving involves judges scoring based on execution and difficulty, but the criteria are simpler and more consistent, making it easier for viewers to grasp.
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usa cheer olympics 2024

3. Universality: It Should Be Practiced Widely Across the Globe

Explanation: The IOC requires that a sport be widely practiced across the globe to ensure it has a universal appeal and representation. This means the sport should have active participation and recognition in numerous countries.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Growing Global Presence: competitive cheer is rapidly expanding worldwide. The International Cheer Union (ICU) boasts 119 member national federations and has over 10 million athletes globally. This shows a significant level of international engagement and participation.
  • Comparable Sports: Many sports included in the Olympics are not universally practiced. For instance, sports like curling and equestrian have a limited number of participating countries yet remain in the Olympics. competitive cheer’s growing global presence should more than qualify it under the universality criterion.

4. Gender Equality: The Sport Must Promote and Ensure Gender Equality

Explanation: The IOC emphasizes gender equality to promote fairness and equal opportunity for all athletes, regardless of gender.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Equal Participation: competitive cheer promotes gender equality, with both male and female athletes actively participating. Many competitive cheer teams are coed, and the sport celebrates and encourages participation from all genders.
  • Historical Disparities: Some Olympic sports have historically been male-dominated or have struggled with gender equality, yet they are still included. competitive cheer, on the other hand, has made significant strides in balancing gender representation and should be recognized for its efforts.

5. Integrity and Fairness: The Sport Must Have Clear Rules and Be Governed by a Body That Ensures Fair Play

Explanation: Sports included in the Olympics must have well-defined rules and be overseen by a governing body that maintains the integrity of the sport.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Established Governing Bodies: The International Cheer Union (ICU) is the recognized governing body for competitive cheer, ensuring that the sport adheres to clear and fair rules. The ICU’s governance is on par with other sports federations that oversee Olympic sports.
  • Comparable Issues: Many existing Olympic sports have faced issues with fairness and integrity, such as controversies in judging in figure skating or boxing. These sports are not excluded despite these challenges, making it unreasonable to single out competitive cheer.

6. Popularity: The Sport Should Have a Significant Following and Be Popular in Various Regions

Explanation:

To ensure high viewership and engagement, the IOC prefers sports that are popular and have a significant following.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Rising Popularity: competitive cheer has seen a tremendous rise in popularity, especially with events like the competitive cheer Worlds and the ICU World Championships drawing large audiences. The sport’s popularity is growing in regions outside North America as well.
  • Olympic Sports with Limited Popularity: Several Olympic sports have niche followings, yet they remain included. Sports like modern pentathlon and synchronized swimming do not have massive global followings but are still part of the Olympics. competitive cheer’s growing fan base should make it a viable candidate.

7. Host Country Interest: The Host Country’s Interest in the Sport Can Influence Its Inclusion

Explanation: The interest and popularity of a sport in the host country can play a role in its inclusion to boost local engagement and viewership.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Strong U.S. Support: competitive cheer is incredibly popular in the United States, the host country for the 2028 Olympics. This local interest should work in competitive cheer’s favor, making its exclusion based on this criterion even more puzzling.
  • Precedent: Other sports have been included primarily due to host country interest, such as karate in Tokyo 2020 and breakdancing in Paris 2024. competitive cheer’s exclusion despite strong U.S. support seems inconsistent with this precedent.
USA Cheer Team Olympics Los Angeles 2024

8. Athlete Safety: The Sport Must Ensure the Safety of Its Participants

Explanation: The IOC prioritizes the safety of athletes, ensuring that the sports included do not pose undue risks.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Improved Safety Measures: competitive cheer has significantly improved its safety standards with regulations, training programs, and safety protocols. The ICU and other governing bodies have implemented measures to reduce injury risks.
  • Inherent Risks in Other Sports: Many Olympic sports carry significant risks, such as gymnastics, boxing, and skiing. These sports are not excluded despite their high injury rates, making the exclusion of competitive cheer on safety grounds appear inconsistent and unreasonable.

9. Cost of Hosting Competitive Cheerleading

Explanation: The IOC considers the financial feasibility of hosting a sport, favoring those that are cost-effective.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Low-Cost Sport: Hosting competitive cheer is relatively inexpensive compared to many other Olympic sports. It requires standard indoor venues, which are often already available and used for other sports. The specialized equipment needed, such as mats and uniforms, is minimal and not cost-prohibitive.
  • Venue Versatility: Cheer can be accommodated in multipurpose arenas that do not require significant modifications or additional infrastructure. This makes it an economically viable option for host cities, reducing the financial burden associated with preparing and maintaining venues.
  • Comparable Costs: Many existing Olympic sports entail substantial costs for venues and equipment. For example, building and maintaining facilities for sports like swimming, cycling, or equestrian events can be extremely expensive. Given this context, cheerleading’s relatively low cost for infrastructure and equipment makes its exclusion on financial grounds unjustifiable.

The criteria used to exclude competitive cheer from the 2028 Olympics are not only unreasonable but also inconsistent when compared to the inclusion of other sports. competitive cheer meets or exceeds many of these criteria, and its exclusion highlights a need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in the selection process for Olympic sports. By addressing these inconsistencies, competitive cheer can improve its prospects for future inclusion in the Olympic Games.

USA Cheer Olympic Team Performing

The Sports That Made the Cut

The LA28 Organizing Committee added five sports to the 2028 Olympics: cricket, flag football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash. These sports were chosen based on their global popularity, simplicity, and alignment with Olympic values.

  • Cricket: With over a billion fans worldwide, cricket is a sport with a vast following, especially in countries like India, Australia, and England.
  • Flag Football: Supported by the NFL, flag football has grown rapidly and is seen as a safer alternative to traditional American football.
  • Breakdancing: “Breaking” as they prefer it to be called will be a sport in this year’s Olympics…crazy
  • Lacrosse: Known for its fast-paced and exciting gameplay, lacrosse has a growing global presence.
  • Squash: Squash is played in over 185 countries and has a strong professional circuit.

Competitive cheer’s journey to Olympic inclusion is inevitable. While it did not make the cut for LA 2028, the sport’s recognition by the IOC and its growing global presence are promising signs for the future. Though, it seems, for the moment, there is a bias against including our sport. My guess is we’re too bad-ass, but 🤷‍♂️

…Flag Football 🤦‍♂️ ….for real

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Standing on Stunts: A comprehensive guide to Flyer Balance, Flexibility, and Strength

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Standing on Stunts A comprehensive guide to Flyer Balance Flexibility and Strength
18
Mar
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 18, 2024

I came across a post on the r/cheerleading subreddit yesterday from user u/zimzamzoom01. It illustrates how the role of a flyer is filled with challenges that require not just physical agility but a blend of mental fortitude, precise technique, and a supportive environment. Today let’s discuss how to equip flyers with strategies to enhance their skills, prevent injuries, and foster a supportive cheer program.

cheerleading subreddit flyer balance

Foundation: Strength, Flexibility, and Balance

Hip Flexibility and Mobility: The agility of your hips plays a significant role in the execution of stunts, enabling smoother transitions into various positions. Exercises like dynamic stretches, hip openers, and controlled leg swings can significantly improve your range of motion. This increased flexibility aids in achieving higher kicks and splits, which are often required in complex stunts.

Leg Strength and Control: While core and ankle strengths are foundational, the power in your legs cannot be overstated. Strong legs contribute to explosive jumps and secure landings, essential elements in cheerleading. Squats, lunges, and plyometric exercises are effective in building this strength. Additionally, practicing techniques such as toe raises can enhance control during stunts, providing a firmer grip on your base’s hands or shoulders.

cheerleading stunts

Mental Balance and Focus: The mental aspect of balance is just as important as the physical. A flyer must possess the ability to focus amidst the chaos of performances and competitions. Techniques such as meditation and visualization can train your mind to remain calm and centered. Focusing on breathing can also help maintain mental balance, allowing for better concentration and execution of stunts.

Proprioceptive Development: Beyond basic balance exercises, engaging in activities that challenge your proprioceptive abilities can lead to significant improvements in how you control your body in space. This can include more advanced yoga poses that require both concentration and physical prowess, or even activities like slacklining, which demand a high level of body awareness and control.

Incorporating Movement Patterns: Practice doesn’t just make perfect; it makes permanent. Incorporating movement patterns that mimic the dynamics of stunts into your training can enhance muscle memory. This includes drills that simulate the lifting, twisting, and holding phases of stunts, ensuring that your body is well-acquainted with the motions even before you take to the air.

Technique:

Engage Your Base: Ensure full foot contact with your bases’ hands. Engage your legs and distribute your weight evenly, providing a stable platform for your bases to support you.

Tighten and Elongate: Imagine pulling your body towards the sky, engaging every muscle from your core down to your toes. A tightened body is easier and safer to lift and hold.

cheerleading balance exercises

Safety: Techniques & Trust

Balancing Techniques: Develop impeccable balance through exercises tailored for flyers. Practice on solid ground before taking these positions into the air, focusing on building muscle memory for positions like the liberty and arabesque​​.

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Nutrition, Recovery, and Mental Preparation

Nutritional Support: A balanced diet fuels your body for strength and recovery. Focus on proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, alongside hydration to maintain peak performance.

Rest and Recovery: Incorporate rest days and recovery techniques into your training regimen. This not only prevents injuries but also ensures you’re always performing at your best.

Mental Strength and Visualization: Employ mindfulness and visualization techniques to enhance focus, reduce performance anxiety, and mentally prepare for routines.

Additional Safety Measures

Protective Gear: Utilize wrist guards, ankle braces, and mats during practice to minimize injury risks, ensuring a safer learning and practice environment.

Balancing Safety: When in the air, focus on techniques such as locking your knees and not attempting to balance yourself. Trust your bases to provide balance and concentrate on keeping your feet flat and stable​​.

cheerleading flyer balance

Mental Resilience and Visualization

Mindfulness and Breathing: Practice mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage performance anxiety. This mental preparation can significantly improve focus and calmness during routines.

Communication and Trust

Build a Relationship with Your Bases: Effective communication is crucial. Trust and understanding between you and your bases can significantly improve performance and safety.

core strength exercises

Stability Strategies

Focus Point: Choose a fixed point in the distance to maintain balance. This technique helps reduce distractions and enhances stability.

Progressive Learning: Start with simpler stunts and gradually progress to more complex ones. This approach ensures a solid mastery of fundamental skills.

Engaging the Community

Community Engagement: The cheerleading community is a valuable resource. Share experiences, seek advice, and engage in workshops or coaching sessions for continuous improvement.

Tailored Training and Professional Coaching: Regular feedback from experienced coaches and tailored exercises for your skill level are essential for refining technique and enhancing safety practices.

Tailored Training

Exercises by Skill Level: Tailor your training to match your experience level. Beginners should focus on foundational exercises, while advanced flyers can explore more complex training routines to refine their skills.

Persistence and Progress

Success Stories for Motivation: Read and share success stories of underdog teams like Ithaca College, Team Australia, and Bangkok University, which have made significant impacts on the world stage despite facing numerous challenges. These teams’ stories highlight resilience, creativity, and the power of teamwork, proving that with determination, any squad can achieve greatness. Their journeys from facing significant obstacles to emerging as champions are truly inspirational and serve as powerful reminders of what can be accomplished through hard work and unity. For more about their inspiring journeys, check out our article on underdog cheer teams that shocked the world.

So now you got all the tips and tricks you’ll need to nail your technique, stay safe, get your head in the game, and boost your confidence as a flyer 😊. Just remember, it’s all about keeping cool, staying patient, and keeping at it. Every time you practice, you’re one step closer to hitting zero.

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Events, Featured, Results

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (searchable)

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2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results
14
Feb
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 14, 2024

The electricity in the air at the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship last weekend was palpable, as top cheerleading teams from across the nation gathered at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World Resort® to showcase their incredible talent, dedication, and spirit. With a record-breaking 1,183 teams from 34 states competing, this year’s championship was not just a competition; it was a celebration of cheerleading excellence, athleticism, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The air buzzed with excitement as these teams, having qualified at regional competitions throughout 2023, took to the floor to perform routines that were the culmination of countless hours of practice, all under the watchful eyes of the cheerleading world.

Live Oak High School UCA Winners

This championship, a significant event in the cheerleading calendar, has evolved since its inception in 1980 into a prestigious showcase featured on ESPN, bringing together the best high school cheerleaders to compete in categories that test every aspect of their skills, from stunting and tumbling to crowd-leading and overall performance. The anticipation was high as teams like Live Oak High School, Mater Dei High School, and Dutchtown took center stage, each aiming to leave an indelible mark on the judges and the audience.

The results were nothing short of spectacular, with Live Oak High School dazzling in the Large Varsity Division I with a score of 97.4, and Mater Dei High School’s Monarchs reigning supreme in the Small Varsity DI, capturing the title with a score of 96.1, closely followed by the impressive Owasso High School. The level of competition and the sheer talent displayed were a testament to the hard work, passion, and spirit of all the athletes and their coaches, making the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship a memorable event that celebrated the very essence of cheerleading.

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2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (Varsity Non-Tumbling Results)

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior High

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity Non Building

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2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Game Day LIVE

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Featured, News, Safety, Tips

Mastering Balance in Cheerleading: How to Perform a Scale or a Scorpion with Grace and Stability

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09
Jun
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Published June 9, 2023

Today, we’re focusing on the crucial element of balance, particularly when executing complex stunts like a scale or a scorpion.

Cheerleading is a dazzling mix of dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics, and stunts like the scale and the scorpion are some of the most impressive and challenging skills to master. This article will guide you through the techniques to improve your balance and execute these stunts with poise and stability. Remember, safety first, so let’s start from the beginning.

Understand The Basics

Balance forms the bedrock of all cheerleading movements. It involves engaging your core muscles, maintaining a proper posture, and distributing your weight evenly. The more you practice balance in various positions, the more naturally it will come to you in advanced moves.

Mastering the Scale

The scale requires flexibility, strength, and balance. Here’s how you can perform a scale with improved balance:

  1. Warm-Up: A good warm-up is essential before attempting any stunts. It preps your muscles and reduces the risk of injuries.
  2. Stretch: Before attempting the scale, stretch your hamstring, glutes, and lower back. This can be done through yoga or pilates exercises. 
  3. Practice: Begin by lifting your leg to your side while holding onto something stable. As your strength improves, try to lift your leg without assistance.
  4. Work on Core Stability: A strong core will significantly improve your balance. Planks, sit-ups, and other core-strengthening exercises will help.
  5. Balance on One Foot: Start practicing your balance on one foot. You can increase the difficulty by closing your eyes or standing on an unstable surface like a balance board.
  6. Perform the Scale: Once you feel confident, lift your leg up to your side and grasp your foot with your hand. Try to extend your leg fully and hold the position.
balance-scorpion-cheer

Mastering the Scorpion

The Scorpion stunt is an advanced move that requires a high level of flexibility and balance. Here’s how you can master it:

  1. Stretch: This move demands flexibility in your back and legs. Stretching exercises that target these areas will help.
  2. Work on your Backbend: The Scorpion requires a strong backbend. Practice bridge poses and other backbending exercises to develop your flexibility.
  3. Develop Ankle Strength: Your standing foot needs to be strong and stable. Ankle strengthening exercises will help, such as calf raises and single-leg balancing.
  4. Practice the Scorpion with Support: Initially, have a spotter to assist you as you raise your leg and reach back to grab your foot. Use the wall for support if needed.
  5. Slowly Increase Difficulty: Gradually, you can try to perform the Scorpion without any support.

Remember, when performing any cheerleading move, safety should always come first. Never rush into performing a stunt, and always work at your own pace. It’s better to take the time to perfect your form than to risk injury.

Incorporate these tips into your cheer practice, and you’ll be well on your way to performing scales and scorpions with remarkable grace and balance. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey and celebrate every milestone you hit. After all, cheerleading is all about the passion, spirit, and the love of the sport!

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