Expert: Tessa Denen - 8/5/2009

Question
What am I supposed to do about cartwheels I dont exactly know how to do a cartwheel and I am kinda scared to try should I try it on grass on or on something softer  And I dont even know what tumbling means As for getting the crowd involved I am fine but I am not sure what cool stunt i should do to impress the coaches

Answer
You should never ever try any trick without proper training.  If you want to learn how to do a cartwheel, you should start taking a tumbling class so someone can help you learn safetly.  Some people decide that they want to learn a trick so they just go try it.  Not only is this dangerous, but chances are you are teaching yourself with the wrong technique, which will only hurt you later.  "Tumbling" just refers to the gymnastics tricks that cheerleaders preform at games or in competition.  A lot of times it isn't required to make the squad.  You should talk to your coach to see what the tumbling requirements are for your school/gym.  If you are required to tumble, maybe take a year off of cheerleading to take a tumbling class and then try out next year.  Be sure to let her know that getting the crowd involved is something you are very good and and comfortable with, but that your tumbling isn't strong yet, but you are more than willing to learn and work at it.

Best of luck:)