Expert: Kimmi - 11/3/2008

Question
hey i am in the grade and i really like cheerleading and at my school its hard to make the team but as long as your loud can do a herkey or hurdler and a toe touch you can pretty much make the team well i am not in tumbling and i can't get my toe touch at all right is there anything i can do to boost my chances any easy tumblings or quick tips i can work on for toukches PLEASE: HELP -kaylee

Answer
Hi Kaylee,

   The best way to work on your toe touches is to stretch like crazy and to strengthen your ab muscles. You actually perform the jump with your core muscles, which are your abs and pecs. Strengthening these muscles will help you perform the jump better. Stretching will help your flexibility in the jump. And remember, when you jump, you have to snap your legs up and then snap them back down just as quickly.
   Tumbling is not something that can be gotten quickly. It takes time and proper training to work on. But,  that's an easy fix, you can ask a friend to help, an older cheerleader or gymnast, or relative. You can ask your parents about getting into a tumbling class, at a local cheer or gymnastics gym, the park district or YMCA.
   But, the best way to make a team is to have the best attitude. If you have a great attitude, dedication, and a willingness to work hard, that adds up to more than just a lot of skills. Good luck!

Happy Cheering,
Kimmi