Ways to Motivate Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders work hard on their routines to excite the fans and motivate their team to win, but they need some motivation of their own to get them into the spirit of the event. Motivation can come by sharing inspirational messages, acknowledging their accomplishments, establishing an online presence and fostering unity on the squad.

  1. Inspirational Messages

    • Inspirational messages can instill the team spirit so necessary for cheerleaders to keep up their positive energy. Uplifting, motivational messages could include "Cheer so they know we have greatness to show!" and "Cheer on to victory! We're part of the team, too!" Such announcements can lift the spirits of cheerleaders who might think they're having no effect on the game.

    Recognition

    • Recognition can provide the cheerleaders with a feeling of accomplishment. This can simply be small indicators of what they have achieved. This recognition could take place on a team bulletin board. For example, you could use the team logo to mark points, and every time a cheerleader does something notable, she gets another logo next to her name. Notable actions could include perfect attendance at practice or mastering a new cheer routine.

    Online Presence

    • A team website can build a sense of community on the cheer squad even when the cheerleaders are not at practice. You can acknowledge team achievements on the site. Members of a squad can acknowledge each other's efforts with supportive comments on the website, such as posting "Good job!" and "Great cheering!" after games. You could also establish a Facebook page to enable social networking among team members and promote their achievements to others online.

    Unity

    • Perhaps the most important characteristic of a cheer squad is unity. If the cheerleaders don't get along, they'll have a hard time conveying a happy and supportive attitude for the teams for which they're cheering. Having the squad accomplish a goal together can bond them in a common cause and overcome disputes. For example, you could have the team attempt a new and especially difficult routine. Members of the squad have to work together to meet the challenge.