Expert: Emily - 11/23/2000

Question
I've got pretty good jumps, but they can get better.   How do I make them higher?  Is there anything I haven't heard before?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
CHEERS, Ashleigh!
   Well, since you have pretty good jumps, I take it you aren't a beginning cheerleader. I have a few technical tips you may or may not have heard before, as well as some muscle-strengthening exercises that will help to get more height in your jumps.
   First of all, make sure that you are sitting completely into your jump. If this is new to you, it may be awkward at first, and you might fall backward when you start trying it. But it will really make your jumps look hyper-extended, even though they are probably around the same height. This would be probably the best advice I could give you to make your jumps appear higher. If you sit into your jumps, they will look much higher.
   Another suggestion would be to wear ankle-weights while practicing your jumps. Try doing 10-20 jumps a day with weights on. After practicing with these for a while, your jumps will be higher, and what's more, they will feel much more effortless.
   There are also strength-building activities you can use to help improve the height in your jumps. Try doing an exercise called a "V-up" or "Straddle-up". To do this, lay flat on your back with your arms outstretched. Then, use your stomach muscles to fold your body together in the air, and spread your legs like you would in a toetouch. Try to do these quickly, and when you go back down to the ground, try not to let your feet or arms touch the ground again. This will make the exercise more difficult but will also help to build your muscles and make your jumps higher.
   You may have heard these tips before, but the best tip I can give you is to practice! You really can get better each time you practice and work on your jumps, and that is the best way to guarantee improvement.
   Best of luck, and if you have any further questions or comments, feel free to write me another question or e-mail me, and I'd be more than happy to help. Have a great day!
Remember,
*\o/* Be Of Good CHEER! *\o/*

Emily
LHSCheerGirl2002@aol.com
**Please, don't forget to rate me!**