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Expert: Nicole - 4/29/2009


Question

my scorpion this is a
hey I'm 13 and i have level 5 stunting skills but i almost have a standing tuck
and running round off back hand spring tuck. I really want to be on a level 5
team for all star cheer. Do you think I have a chance of making it? Also do you
know any good ways to get a needle fast my scorpion is ok but I really want to
get my flexibility up, any ideas?

Answer
Hello! I am very sorry for the late reply, I was having trouble with my Internet service, but it is all fixed. Depending on your gym, you definitely could have a chance of making a Level 5 team. If your gym is small, the Level 5 may be looking for girls with tumbling not quite at their level yet, but who are willing to work hard over the spring and summer to get there. As of right now, you are at Level 3 tumbling, working on Level 4. What I suggest is to begin, if you haven't already, learning a layout and giving it your all to really impress gym staff and coaches, with that and the standing tuck you will be at Level 4, and there is a greater chance for you to make a Level 5 team.

Also, you may want to consider the crossover program if your gym has it. If at tryouts you only make Level 3 or 4, but work hard on your tumbling and perfect a new skill, your gym may ask you to "crossover" and be a member of both your original team AND the Level 5. This happens especially if they are looking for a flyer! Be aware that there is also extra financial costs for crossover athletes.

After tryouts, I am sure you notice many parents and cheerleaders upset with their placement, especially when there is a girl with equal or less tumbling skill than they do placed on a higher team. The reason that these athletes are placed on a higher team is because they are hand-picked by the coaches because of a certain other quality about them. You could be this girl because of your stunting! Do all that you can to show coaches that what you lack in Level 5 tumbling can easily be made up for by your stunting, jumps, ability to learn, etc.

As for the flexibility, your scorpion looks great! The key to a needle is flexibility in your lower back and quads. Here are some suggestions:

- Sit in a split with your standing leg in front. lean back as far as you can to stretch out your back.
- Stand facing the wall with your chest right up against it. Pull your scorpion, and have a friend standing behind you to catch your leg. Let go and have them push your leg (right below the knee) straight with a locked knee and also towards your back as close as possible. Holding this stretch will get your body used to the position of a needle.  

I hope my insight helped with your question, and I wish you the best of luck at tryouts! Let me know how it goes.

Nicole
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commentthanks so much ill email you what team i make they are this weeknd so wish me luck=)!


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Nicole

Expertise

I can answer questions about motions, dances, jumps, try-outs, stretching and conditioning. I can also answer some questions about all-star teams/competitions and high school teams. I will try to answer tumbling and stuntin questions as well.

Experience

My experience consists of 8 years on a youth team, 3 years of high school varsity cheerleading, and 2 years affiliation with a prominent all-star gym in New England.

Education/Credentials
High School High Honors

Awards and Honors
JamLIVE! Celebrity Stand-out Award NECA 2009 All-Star Championship 1st place UCA New England Classic 1st place and Regional Level Champions JamLIVE! Providence 2nd Place American CheerPower Six Flags Spectacular 1st Place MIAA High School Varsity 1st Place (divisionals, regionals, state title) EAC State Champs

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