Blog It Out!

Looking for something fun to do in your downtime between cheerleading practices and workouts? Check out one of these great cheerleading games. Whether it simulates tryouts, practices or competitions, each game will help you polish your cheerleading skills and knowledge while having fun. They also make great gifts for any cheerleader!

Video Games

All Star Cheer Squad (Wii)

In All Star Cheer Squad, players will follow a year in the life of a cheerleader as you learn new moves and cheers, participate in practices and create your own cheerleading routines in the hopes of making the cheerleading squad and eventually becoming its captain. High-energy game includes cheerleading squad competitions and cheer-offs using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to perform real-world cheer and dance moves and full body cheer experience using the Wii Balance Board (optional). Customize the look of your team including facial features, hair, style & color, make-up and cheerleading uniforms.

We Cheer (Wii)

Putting players in the middle of a nationwide cheerleading competition, We Cheer uses Wii Remotes as virtual pom-poms to create a realistic cheerleading experience. Players mimic moves as directed on screen to learn cheerleading routines, using a full range of arm and body movements. Game includes 30 hit songs, character customization, and real, active game play.

Imagine Cheerleader (Nintendo DS)

Become the new girl who wants to be a cheerleader. Learn different cheers, jumps, lifts, and cheer routines that will excite the crowds and enable your teams victory!

Online Games

High School Cheerleader – www.addictinggames.com

Want to make the cheer squad? Show us what you’ve got with this virtual cheerleading tryout!

Spirit Fever – www.spirit-fever.com

Your goal is to start a new cheerleading program and lead it to win a cheerleading competition. You can hold tryouts to gain cheerleaders for your team, create cheer routines, compete in cheer competition, and design your own cheerleading uniforms. You can train your team and individual cheerleaders to tumble, jump and stunt too. Achieve all this by playing mini-games that are fun and educational, teaching you about safe cheerleading. Spirit Fever is a good way to learn cheerleading basics and have fun.

Board Games

Cheer Monopoly

Just like the regular Monopoly® game, this cheerleading version will give you and your friends hours of play. Game references many cheerleading companies on the game board, money and playing pieces.

A cheerleader’s pom poms are one of the most important parts of the cheerleading uniform.  They are not only used as props in a routine or cheer, but they make the uniform stand out and shine.  With so many colors and styles available it can be difficult to choose which style pom is best for your team.  We’ve put together this guide to explain the differences in pom poms and help you in choosing the poms that are right for you.

 

Pom Pom Size

Most poms come in standard sizes of 4”, 6”, 8”, and 10”.  This size refers to the length of each streamer strand from where it comes out of the handle.  When considering the size of a pom, consider who will be using them, how they will be used, and what the desired effect is.  In general, the younger the cheerleaders the smaller the pom should be.  The most commonly used size is a 6” size which is perfect for schools and most cheering.  However, if you have a choreographed routine or a special use, you may want to consider an alternate size.  The 4” size pom is the lightest with the 6” size being fairly light as well.  These poms are more easily carried which makes them great for younger cheerleaders and for fast paced choreographed routines.   The 6” pom and the 8” pom are both well suited for school cheerleading as they are easy to carry and can be seen clearly from a distance, allowing fans to see them in the football field or on the basketball court.  The 10” size is the largest.  This pom is much heavier but is also more dramatic and the most eye catching. 

 

Pom Streamer Width

Most pom poms are made of vinyl streamers which come in widths of either 3/4″ (wide) or 3/16” (narrow), though some brands may offer variances in this sizing.  The standard width for poms is 3/4”.  These poms will have 1000 streamers and provide a fluffy ball shape.  The 3/16” width has 3000 strands and has a longer, flowing look which also provides for more movement. 

 

Pompom Handle

There are four main handle styles for poms: Baton, Hidden, Standard, and Block.  Some companies have additional styles that are variances of these handles, however these are the most commonly found styles.

Baton:  This is the most common handle.  It is a single 3”-4”tube with strands coming out of both ends.  The handle is not visible when in use and is recommended for any size of pom.  Many companies keep Baton Handle poms as their in stock poms.

Hidden:  These handles have a 1” dowel handle with a large elastic loop off the top.  The handle is not visible when in use and is recommended for any size of pom. 

Standard:  This handle is a large plastic loop with a 2”-3” plastic tube through the middle of the loop.  The handle is usually visible when in use and recommended for poms size 6” or larger.

Block:  This handle has a block with a plastic loop on top.  This handle is easy to grip but is heavier than other styles.   The handle is usually visible and is recommended for poms size 6” or larger. 

 

Plastic, Wet Look, Metallic, and Glitter Pom Poms

There are several different pom strand finishes that provide different looks.  The following are the most common:

Plastic:  Strands have a matte finish with very little shine.

Wet Look:  Strand have a shiny finish, as though the strands are wet.  The finish helps reflect light.

Metallic:  Strands have a high shine look to them and reflect a lot of light.

Glitter:  Metallic strands that are only 3/16” wide and are used to highlight the other colors and materials of the pom.

 

Pom Colors

What colors and how many colors should you choose for your pom?  You can choose based on your school or team colors.  You may also want to match the colors in your uniform or choose colors that contrast with your uniform so the poms stand out more.  You may also want to consider how you want the poms to stand out or how they will work in your routine or cheers. 

1-Color Poms:  Great choice when you want to stick with basic poms that will be used year after year.  You can match your uniform or go with a contrasting color.  1-Color poms also look great when choosing a non-matching pair.  They come in nearly every color, are usually in stock, and require no special ordering.

2-Color Poms:  Add a great splash of color when using two coordinating or contrasting colors.

3-Color Poms:  3 Separate colors can really stand out if chosen carefully, especially when the third color is a glitter color for accent.

 

Pom Pom Styles

There are many styles to choose from.  Here are a few of the most popular.

Solid Pom Pons: One single color for all strands.

2-Color Mix Pom Poms:  Mixture of two different colors of strands.

3-Color Mix Pom Poms:  Mixture of three different colors of strands.

Solid with Glitter Pom Poms:  Mixture of one color of strands mixed with another color of glitter strands.

2-Color Mix with Glitter Poms:  Mixture of two colors of strands mixed with another color of glitter strands

Solid with 2-Color Glitter Poms:  Mixture of one color of strands mixed with two colors of glitter strands

Half & Half Pom Pons:  Two colors of strands on one pom, each color is one-half of the pom, and colors are not mixed

Target or Bullseye Pompoms:  Two colors of strands on one pom with one color on the outside and one color on the inside (not mixed), creating a bullseye or target.  If this style is chosen with the Baton handle, there will be two targets, one on each side of the handle.

 

Matching or Non-Matching Pair

Poms are generally sold individually so it is up to you to create the ideal pair.  Traditionally, poms are used in pairs with both poms being identical.  Sometimes, though, you may want to have a non-matching pair of poms.  Matching poms provide a cleaner look and are a good choice for most teams.  Non-matching pairs can be a great eye catcher for some routines as some will require two different color poms.  They also offer a great way to add more color to a uniform.  Your choice will depend on your team and the type of routines that they will be doing. 

 

Ordering Poms

When ordering poms, here are a few things to remember in order to ensure you get the look and style you want:

Ask for color swatches:  Colors vary between companies and can also vary between strand finishes.  To be sure you are getting the color you want or if you are coordinating with a uniform color, ask for color swatches.

Order early:  Your pom may be a custom pom, made especially for you.  Call ahead of time and don’t wait until the last minute as it may take several weeks for production and shipping.

Ask questions:  Don’t be afraid to ask any questions.  If you are not sure what style you need or what handle would suit your team, just call the company and ask.  They have the knowledge to be able to assist you with making the right choice.

 

Fluffing the Pom Poms

Many poms will be pre-fluffed, however some may not be.  Here is the proper way to fluffing poms.

For Wide (3/4”) Strand Poms:

1. Take a few streamer strands of the pom and gently pull them down and away from you.
2. Shake the pom vigorously after pulling several strands to help separate the streamers and fluff the pom.
3. Repeat until all the streamers are separates and fluffed.

 

For Narrow (3/16”) Strand Poms:

1. Take a handful of strands; lightly crush in your hand then release.  Repeat until pom is fluffed.
2. You may also want to gently rub the strands between your palms to help separate them but don’t overdo it.  Excess rubbing can make strands look stringy.
3. Be careful not to over fluff the pom which will cause the pom to lose the flowing look and movement that is unique to the narrow strand poms.

With the cold weather upon us, it is too easy to stay indoors where it is warm and put off exercising.  It is important to keep working out every day, not just at practice, in order to keep up one’s health and fitness level.  When it comes to working out, there are three main areas of focus: Stretching, Cardio Training, and Strength Training.  Our focus here is on Stretching.  Stretching is extremely important for maintaining flexibility and agility, which is very important for cheerleaders.   Maintaining flexibility eases the body’s ability to execute stunts by requiring less energy to move the joint as well as improving coordination.  It also improves the condition of the joint and provides a wider range of motion.  Flexibility also increases the body’s ability to perform with a much lower chance of injury.  Here we have put together some basic stretches that can be performed at home or school and take only minutes each day.

Calf Stretch

Place your right heel upon a step, knee slightly bent.  Lean forward, grasp your right toe with your right hand.  Bend your left knee slightly and keep your back straight.  Keeping your weight on the left leg and your left hand on the left thigh, pull your right toes toward the knee.  Keep the knee slightly bent and hold for 30 seconds.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Place your right heel upon a step, knee slightly bent.  Lean forward, placing your hands on the left leg.  Keep the left knee slightly bent and lean forward, curving your lower back slightly inward.  Press buttocks and back up, pushing the hips away from the front knee, and hold for 30 seconds.

Bent Knee Hamstring Stretch

Stand with one foot raised onto a table and lean your chest into your bent knee.

Toe Touch Stretch

Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, ankles together.  Lean forward and touch your toes.  Your goal for flexibility is to be able to touch your nose to your knees and wrap your hands around the arch of your feet.

Herkie Stretch

Sit on the floor with one leg bent behind you and the other leg stretched out in front of you.  Raise your arms over your head, lean down and touch your toe.  Repeat the stretch with the other leg.

Knee Roll-over Stretch

Laying on your back, bend your knees and let them fall to one side.  While keeping your arms out to the side, let your back and hips rotate with your knees.

Lying Quadricep Stretch

Lie on your left side, extend your left arm and rest your head on it.  Contract the abdominals, holding the pelvis in a neutral position.  Bring the right ankle back towards the glutes, reach back with the right hand and gently hold the ankle with the knee parallel to the floor.  Press the front hip bone forward, slightly extending the hip, and hold for 30 seconds.

Lunges and Splits

Do 10 deep lunges on each leg, each proceeded by a bent over straight leg stretch.  Hold each stretch for 8 seconds.  Then follow up with each of the right, left and middle splits, holding each for 1 minute.

Rotator Stretch

Stand with your hand behind the middle of your back, elbow pointing out.  With your other hand, gently pull your elbow forward.

Flexibility will not happen overnight, however after a few weeks you will notice a difference.  A few additional things to remember regarding stretching:

• Stretch every day, 1-2 times each day.
• While doing stretches, hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds, relax, and repeat.
• Never stretch cold muscles; always warm up first
• Push your stretches a bit further each time but stop if there is pain.   Pain indicates that something is wrong so don’t overdo it.
• Do not bounce while stretching.  This can lead to injury.
• Breathe properly while stretching.  Do not hold your breathe.  Breathe normally.

 

Go to cheerzone.com and check out our selection of fitness supplies, music and videos!

It is a new year and you already have a start on your new year’s resolutions.  How about adding one more?  Resolve to take care of yourself by improving your energy and stamina.  Your cheerleading practices are important when it comes to keeping you in shape for all the stunts and routines that you do.  However, taking care of your self outside of practice is just as important.  We have come up with some ways that you can easily increase your energy and stamina for optimal health and performance.

Strength Training – The strength of your body’s core (the torso or middle of the body) and legs is integral to your body’s ability to perform repeated routines.  Take care of your body and your overall stamina greatly improve, improving your balance and making routines and stunts smooth and easier.  Consider abdominal crunches, push ups, squats, lunges, and also weight training.  Try the Mae Flyer too which helps to strengthen legs and ankles!

Cardio Training – Optimizing blood flow to the heart is extremely important to an athlete’s health.  Aerobic workouts that increase heart rate are great for the cardiovascular system leading to easier and deeper breathing and increased stamina.  Great exercises for this are running, jump rope, biking and walking.

Stretching – Maintaining flexibility will ensure your body’s ability to perform stunts smoothly and with ease.  The best way to do this is through stretching.  Stretch every day.  Never stretch cold muscles; always warm up first.  Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds but don’t overdo it.  If you have pain you should stop.  The Stunt Strap is a great aid for your scorpion or heel stretch!

Diet – Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to staying healthy and maintaining energy levels.  Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, proteins like lean meat, eggs and low-fat milk as well as healthy carbohydrates such as whole grain pasta and bread.  Pass on sugary and high fat foods.  Always drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Improving your energy and stamina will not just improve your cheerleading performance but will also improve the way you feel every day.  Talk to your coach about additional ways to improve your energy and stamina.  Your coach will be able to suggest many ideas for you and your teammates.

 

Go to cheerzone.com and check out our selection of fitness supplies, music and videos!

Take a look at the 2010 Nike Boom Cheerleading Shoe!�

The Nike Boom will be available in the 2010 CheerZone Catalog!

• Synthetic leather upper with mesh mid foot and heel collar for breath-ability
• Lace option for customization and unified team style
• PU mid-sole with visible air-sole heel unit, archtech support system and medial pivot position.
• Low-profile
• Perfect for the cheerleader looking for flexibility, support and lightweight performance.

Will your team be choosing the Nike Boom Cheerleading shoe for the 2010 season?  Let us know what you think!

As a cheerleader, you are a representative of your squad as well as your school and community.  You are looked upon by many people and even emulated by some.  It is important that you are a good leader.  Leadership is not just about being a team captain but rather it is a set of qualities that one has that set a good example to others. You and your team members must closely monitor your actions as they reflect not only on yourselves as individuals and the team but also on your school.  It is important to always strive to be your best and be a great role model.  Here is a list of the most important traits of a role model and how to attain them.

Be a team player

To be a good team player you have to put the needs of the team ahead of your own.  Be supportive of your team members and do everything you can to encourage their success over your own.

Be dependable

Being dependable is an extremely important quality.  When you say you will do something, do it.  Be punctual.  People will be relying on you and it is important to follow through on all your commitments.

Have an optimistic attitude

Always keep a positive attitude even when times are tough.  Smiles are catchy and sometimes that is all it one needs to brighten someone else’s day.  Always hope for the best but be gracious if disappointment comes your way.

Persistence

Persistence is important for success.  No matter what you do, there will be obstacles.  Do not let roadblocks stop you.   Stay focused and never give up.

Have courage

Be confident in who you are and in your abilities.  You worked hard to get where you are and faced many challenges.  Have the courage to brave any challenges because you know that you will give it your best.  Believe in yourself and your team.

Be generous

Be generous with your time and your talents.  Spend time doing things for others in your community.  Volunteer with local organizations.  Your efforts will not only be rewarded personally but will be appreciated by those around you.

Be respectful

Mind your manners and practice proper etiquette.  Treat everyone you encounter with respect.  Set an example of how to be kind to others and how to handle yourself with grace.

Remember, as a cheerleader you are in the public eye.  It is important to represent your school and community to the best of your ability

Our video clip of the month goes to King and Katie for these Awesome Cheerleading Stunts!

A single word – Amazing!

The cheerleading season is now in full swing and your team needs to be ready for the first football game.  If your team is in need of new cheerleading uniforms, cheer shoes or just needs some funds for an additional activity fundraising may be a necessity.  At some point, your team will look at doing a fundraiser this year.  Not only are fundraisers a great way to earn money but they are a great way to improve your team work and to become active in your community.

Before you decide what your fundraiser will be, there are a few things you will need to do to be prepared and, most of all, to be successful:

Establish a goal.

Figure out how much money you need to raise and what date you need to raise it by.  Don’t forget to also factor in any upfront costs associated with the fundraiser itself.  This will help keep your team motivated and also helps in determining what fundraiser would be best for you.  You may wish to have more than one fundraiser.  Direct each fundraiser toward a specific goal.  You may hold a cheerleading clinic for elementary students to raise funds for new cheerleading uniforms and then have a penny drive to raise money for an upcoming competition. Just be sure to space your fundraisers out a bit.

Know what others groups are doing for fundraising in your area.

You will not be very successful if a local church is having a bake sale on the same weekend as your or if the girl scouts are taking orders the same week you are selling cookie dough.

As a team you can accomplish anything!

Remember that fundraisers are a lot of work but if you work together it will be a sure success.

There are countless ideas for fundraisers.  Some may not be practical for your location, season or budget, but here are some ideas to get you started.  No matter what you choose to do, show your spirit.  Wear your team cheerleading uniforms or cheer warm ups.  Show your school colors with hair ribbons or pins.  If you show your spirit, others will too!

• Sell spirit or mascot items, or any other items relative to your city, state or region.  Our Spirit Sticks are always a hit!
• Have a raffle.  Sell tickets and raffle off prizes.  Prize possibilities: 50% of the money you collect, community donated coupons or gift cards, gift baskets (have each team member make a themed basket such as chocolate lover’s basket, pasta dinner basket, etc…), or any services or goods you can get a community organization to donate.
• Make Cheer Cans out of old coffee cans.  Decorate them, including your fundraising goal, and add a hole in the top for donations.  Take them around to local stores and gas stations and ask if they will display them.  Attach a Pom Pet to the top of the can, you’ll be sure to catch the customer’s attention!
• Recycle!  Collect bottles and cans.  Many local recycling centers will also buy old cell phones and ink cartridges.
• Have a penny drive for each classroom for one month.  The classroom that raises the most gets a pizza party.
• Offer services around the holidays.  Gift wrapping at Christmas, babysitting on Valentine’s Day…
• Make a school calendars and sell it.  Don’t forget to have game days pre-marked on the calendar!
• Have a rummage sale or bake sale.  Our CZ Post-Its would make great labels for your bakes goods!
• Take advantage of the holidays.  Have a picnic and sell bagged lunches for 4^th of July, an egg hunt for Easter, sell pumpkin pies just before Thanksgiving, a party with trick or treating for Halloween.
• Make a cookbook.  Gather recipes from other students, parents and teachers. Deliver them in gift bags in your school’s colors!
• Hold a clinic for elementary students. Teach them a few cheers and have them perform at a game.  Don’t forget poms for your students…our Rooter Poms would be perfect in your school colors!
• Donate your time at a local business for a day.  Ask local businesses to allow your team to work for them for a day for a portion of the profits or for donations. Gas stations and drive-thrus are great places to start.
• Sell flowers for spirit week or holidays.  Arrange with a florist to sell the flowers ahead of time and have them delivered at a later date.  Sell red roses or carnations for Valentine’s Day or Sweetest Day, carnations in a school color for homecoming, poinsettias for Christmas, etc.
• Have a carnival. Set up a carnival in the school gym or football field. Have booths with different games and activities.  Remember a face painting for the kids or checkout our face tattoos!
• Have a car wash.

For even more ideas visit our website at cheerzone.com for a complete list of fundraising ideas!

Whichever fundraiser you choose to do, be sure to keep the community informed of your goals.  Let them know what you are raising the money for, how much you are trying to earn and how much you have earned thus far.  Don’t forget to send a thank you to any person or organization who donates their time or good to your fundraiser too.  Check out our stationary for a fun touch!  With team work and a lot of spirit, your fundraiser will be a success no matter what you choose!

How to Choose the Right Cheerleading Shoes for Your Team

Choosing a cheerleading shoe for your squad can prove to be quite the task with so many styles to choose from. Narrow your search by deciding exactly what you need in a cheer shoe.

What purpose will the cheerleaing shoe serve?

Does your squad focus on tumbling or dance? Do you perform a lot of stunts? Knowing your goals for the squad and what the focus of the squad will be will help determine the type of shoe that is needed. The Nfinity Evolution is great for stunting and the super lightweight shoe makes tumbling effortless. If you’re looking for something for a youth team that is just beginning check out the Kaepa Pep or the Zephz Butterfly. For a team that loves to perform and dace that Nike Musique cheer shoe will be the perfect fit. Whatever your needs choose a shoe that is designed for what your team will focus on for the season or year.

Price

The price of cheerleading shoes can range from $18.25 to $69.99. With such a huge selection of prices you want to ensure that your cheerleading shoes fall within your team’s budget. After determining what features you will need you can then narrow your search even more by determining a maximum price on your selection.

Does the Shoe Fit?

Your team should always be fitted for shoes. Whether you order a sample size run or have a sales representative visit to fit your team – you should always make sure the shoes fit. Each shoe may come in different size selections. And each shoe will fit differently. For safety and comfort it is incredibly important to make sure that the shoe selected will work for every girl on your squad.

Additional Features

Are you looking for a shoe that can be customized? Does the shoe have the comfort and support features you’ll need for long performances? What about the cleanability factor?

Choosing the perfect cheerleading shoe for your team may take some time and research, but focus on the pay off. Your team will be happy and comfortable in shoe that will fit their needs.

Don’t forget to check out CheerZone’s Cheer Shoe Buying Guide to help make the choice that’s right for you!

How to Get Noticed at Cheerleading Tryouts

You’ve been preparing for Cheerleading Tryouts daily. You’ve taken some tumbling classes at the local gym. You’ve stretched every night and have done all you can to perfect your jumps, by now your last name should be Herkie. Your motions are crisp and strong. Each time your mother walks by the bathroom she sees you make a variety of “facial expressions” in the mirror and the dog seems to be howling your cheers along with you. Physically and vocally you are ready for cheerleading tryouts – but so are 30 other girls. What can you do to leave a lasting impression on the judges?

Bring whatever you need to feel prepared and relaxed to tryouts. Bring your water bottle, a snack, your good luck charm. Bring anything that will help calm your nerves the day of tryouts.

Bring your confidence – stand tall, make eye contact with the judges. They’re more likely to remember the confident girl that gave them a genuine smile, over the wallflower.

Don’t stop smiling. A smile speaks a thousand words. Not to mention when you smile you naturally feel better – so why not smile the whole way through.

Dress the part – make sure your t-shirt says cheerleading. Wear your gym or school colors, cheerleading shoes, and absolutely no jewelry!

Hair pulled back with a big bow. You want the judges to see and remember your face. Pull your hair back and wear a bow in the team’s colors for extra attitude.

Subtle make up. Clean fresh make up is always great. Be sure to bring your lip gloss. If you nervous your mouth may get dry. A little lip gloss will go a long way!

Add a bit of school spirit – add a small fake tattoo of the school mascot to your face.

When you take the floor “Hit the crowd”. Approach the floor chanting “Go Team!, Let’s go! We’re #1!”. This will help wake up the judges and prepare them to watch you.

Don’t let a mistake bring you down. Keep going and pull through – this is after all what will be expected during a competition or game.

Be positive and have fun. The judges can tell if you’re having fun. Encourage others to show that you’re a team player. The judges are always watching you – even if it’s not your turn to try out.

Thank the judges after you tryout.

Remember most of all Have FUN! If you make the squad – CONGRATS! If you don’t make the squad – keep practicing – there’s always next year!