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Our CheerZone 2010 Cheerleading Catalog is coming soon and we have a lot of new products in store for your cheerleading team.  Among them are our great new cheer hair accessories.   We have doubled our online selection of cheer bows and they are now available in more colors and styles than ever before.  We can also custom order additional styles and colors if you don’t see what you need.  Check out these new styles!

284 Headband

The perfect finishing touch for your cheer uniform or warm-ups!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

281  3-Layer, 2-Loop Bow with Tails

Classic cheer bow with more style choices than ever before!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

280 3-Layer, 2-Loop Bow

A new favorite with up to 3 ribbon choices for a more personalized look for your team!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

327PT Pigtail Bows with Korkers

The must have cheerleading bows of the season!

Each pair bows with corkers is made with 3 ribbon styles of your choice.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot and Striped Ribbon.

491PT Pigtail Bow

Add some style to your pigtails!

Each pair of 5” bows is made with 2 ribbon styles of your choice.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbon as well as Sequin Dot Ribbon and Sparkle Ribbon.

264 Basic Bow with Tails

The basic bow is back and in more options for the perfect look!

Choose just one color or customize with a contrasting knot color.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot and Star Ribbon.  Solid styles also available in metallic ribbon.

Check us out at www.cheerzone.com for even more styles!.  We are sure to have the perfect cheer bows and hair accessory to complete your look!

Cheerleading tryouts are coming up soon and you are thinking about trying out.  Even if you have already selected the team you will be trying out for, you may want do some research before you attend any tryouts.  In order to increase your chances at making the team, you will want to be sure that you will be a good fit for the team and that the team is a good fit for you!  To do this you will need to know what the team is all about.  You know you want to join a new team but what kind of team?  What things should you be looking considering when choosing a team to tryout for?  Here are some things that you may want to find out.

What is the team’s style?
Look at the team’s previous members.  Are they bouncy and enthusiastic?  Athletic?  Fun and eccentric?  Be sure your style meshes with the team style and you will fit in well.

Does the team cheer for sports teams?  If so, what sports?
Be sure to have a basic knowledge and enthusiasm of the sports for which the team cheers.  However, if the team cheers for a football team and you hate football, consider another squad.

Is the team competitive?
If the team is competitive there will probably be a lot of focus on mastering skills and acquiring new, advanced ones too.  You will likely experience demanding practices and expectations will be higher than teams who do not compete.  Is this what you are looking for?

Am I expected to be capable of certain dance, tumbling or stunting skills at tryouts?
If so, be sure to practice them well in advance so that you can perform them to the best of your ability.

Does the team participate in many spirit activities, fundraising, community events or volunteering?
These activities can require a lot of time and commitment.  Is this something you are willing to commit to?  Are you outgoing enough to be comfortable with these activities?

What are the time and financial requirements for the team?
Be aware of the team’s schedule and commitments as well as the financial expectations of the team.  Be sure that you are able to meet these requirements ahead of time.

Do some research and talk to the coach before tryouts.  Express your interest in the squad and find out if there is anything specific that they are looking for. Not only will you get the information you need but you will have caught the attention of the coach.

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)

Wii All Star Cheer Squad

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)

Wii Cheer 2

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)

Imagine Cheerleader 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 Air Boom II Cheerleading Shoe!�

The Nike Air Boom II 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 Air Boom  II 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!