Expert: Pamela Enders - 12/29/2009

Question
hi there.:) I'm Micki, i am 14 and a freshman trying out for the first time. i used to be a level 7 gymnast so tumbling and flexibility are no problem. my toe touches are over split, my hirkies are decent, pikes are great, but i seem to be having a real hard time with hurdlers. any tips? also, i have been told that i am very gymnast-like. my coach said that my arm movements are too graceful, thanks to my gymnastics. do you think this will have an impact on my performance at tryouts? sorry to be asking so much, but just one more thing. flying. i would love to be a flyer! i have done it at my class i am taking, but do you think i will be too heavy for the school? i am just barely 5 ft and about 110. i really would like to be a flyer and seeing i know how to flip my body very well do you think i could be? thanks for your time.:) hope to hear from you'.

-Micki

Answer
Dear Micki,

I'm a mental game coach and not a cheer coach per se so I can't help you in the same way that a cheer coach could. I'd suggest you ask some of the other cheerleading experts about this.

I do know that arm movements in cheerleading must be crisp and almost military-like. I would recommend you definitely work on this in front of a mirror or try video taping yourself doing a routine.

Your gymnastics background should serve you very well.  You are NOT too heavy to be a flyer!! Your comfort level with your body (flips, etc.) is very important and helpful to you as a cheerleader.

By the way you may want to check out my blog which has lots of tips and info on the mental game of cheerleading - http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com  My blog also contains tips and info on tryouts.

Good luck to you!

Dr. Pam
http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com
http://www.confidentcheerleading.com