Cheerleading/Dismount twisting

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Expert: - 1/12/2012


Question
Hi!

My daughter is the flyer in her cheerleading squad and is having trouble doing a full twist when she dismount.  Do you have any suggestions to help her out?

Answer
First I would like to apologize for how long it took me to answer. I've been fairly sick.

Anyways, what specifically is her problem? Is she coming straight down rather than landing in a cradle position, is she afraid to try, or is it something else?

A few tips:

Make sure she keeps her whole body straight. She needs to remain tight meaning that she can't bend at the waist. She should also not look down. When she twists and turns her head she should make sure she is looking around rather than down towards the floor. If she looks down and drops her shoulder towards the floor she will head towards the floor. Also, if she remains tight and wraps her arms around her body (or whichever technique she was taught-there are many that work) she will make it around. If she is not tight then she will either fall or not get around. If part of her body (top or bottom half) is getting around and the rest isn't then she is not keeping her whole body tight.

Those are the most common mistakes I've seen with twisting. If I didn't touch on your daughter's problem please try and describe what she is doing so I can give a better answer.

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Chris

Expertise

I can answer questions on partner stunts, dismounts, basket tosses, choreography, pyramids, jumps, motions, chants, and formations. I can answer questions on tryouts, coaching, general cheerleading, etc. I cannot answer questions on co-ed stunts/pyramids or tumbling. Aside from these areas I can usually answer, or direct you to an answer, on any other topic.

Experience

I've been cheerleading for 10 years. My teams consistently competed at the national level, placing many times. I've coached for the past 5 years, and the team I coached most recently became National Champions. I've cheered at the Pop Warner, High School, and All-Star levels. I coach alongside my mother and sister who have coached at the all-star level as well. I've been watching cheerleading since I was 4, and I can create routines, give advice, and help teach kids how to deal with competitions. I have a knack for coaching and giving advice. I'm always the coach designated to give the pep talks to the kids before competitions.

Education/Credentials
I have been living with cheerleading coaches for 10+ years which teaches more than anyone can imagine. I was captain of my Varsity High School squad which came with the responsibility of picking music, writing a cheer, creating and teaching the routine, and making the formations. I have also coached nationally ranked teams for 5 years.

Awards and Honors
Two-time All-State Cheerleader nominee All-State Class M Cheerleader Varsity Cheer Captain

Past/Present Clients
The 32 young girls I just helped coach to a national championship! :) It wasn't easy, but they'll all say the work was worth it in the end.

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