Basic Cheer Jumps

Jumps are an integral part of cheer routines, providing an added pizzazz through a demonstration of energy and acrobatics. Combining gymnastic and athletic skill, each jump has a specific setup, which allows it to achieve the desired effect. While advanced jump techniques have been developed, beginning cheerleaders will first want to master some basic cheer jumps to find their footing in the sport.

  1. Spread Eagle

    • Resembling an X when the cheerleader is airborne, the spread eagle uses a basic execution method. The jumper begins with her arms hanging by her sides and feet placed together. Counting from five to eight, the cheerleader places her hands at her chest. Counting from one to two, the cheerleader extends her arms above her head in a V-shape, holding the movement through the count of two. As the arms are extended, the cheerleader jumps with her knees in a forward direction, with legs kept straight while extending them to the sides.

    Tuck Jump

    • Using the basic jump execution with arms at her side and legs together, the tuck jump is a basic cheer jump move, which provides an effective visual impact. As the cheerleader jumps upward, the knees are brought to the chest with the arms extended in a V-shape. Jumpers should refrain from bending their upper body toward their knees, or allowing the knees to separate. To properly execute the jump, it is important to have toned abdominal muscles to allow for better lifting of the knees to the chest.

    Pencil or T-Jump

    • Starting with the legs together and arms at the sides, the pencil or T-jump is distinguished by the T-shape of the arms when fully extended. As the move is executed, the cheerleader jumps in a straight, upward motion and extends the arms straight out, parallel to the ground. The knees are straight and the legs held together throughout the jump.

    Hurdler Jumps

    • With two variations, hurdler jumps employ the basic jump position, but differ in execution. The front hurdler involves the cheerleader jumping with one leg straightened and extended forward, and the second bent with the knee facing the ground. Arms are situated in a touchdown, with one extended and the other bent with a hand resting near the waist. Side hurdler jumps use a T-shaped arm position, with one straight leg and the other bent with the knee facing toward the audience.