What Is the Difference Between a Herkie & a Hurdler?

Cheerleading jumps are a staple in any cheerleader's routine. The herkie and the hurdler are both standard jumps that cheerleading squads of all skill levels use during performances. Though these two jumps are very similar, they have a few differences that set them apart from each other. Both jumps exhibit the individual's ability to maintain physical control. They also showcase a particular skill level or flexibility that a cheerleader has. In order to master these two jumps, you must first understand the differences between the two.

  1. Herkie Facts

    • A herkie is a jump that is one half toe touch and one half table top. When the jump is executed properly, the arms should be in a "T" position. There are right and left herkies. The right herkie is differentiated from the left because the right leg is straight out while the left leg is bent. The leg that is straight should be in the toe-touch position, with the hips rotated outward. The bent leg should either have the knee pointing toward the floor or parallel with the floor. The angle of the bent leg is based on the ability of the jumper.

    Herkie Performance

    • To perform the herkie, stand with your arms at your sides. Make fists and bring your arms from your sides into an arc up in front of you. Your wrists will cross as your arms move above your head in a "V" shape. During this time, use the momentum to bring yourself up on your toes. Swiftly, bring your arms down in an arc in front of you, and use the momentum to jump. Your arms should hit a "T" position as you are in the air. This should be executed in one fluid motion. Use the momentum of your arms and your leg strength to execute the jump.

    Hurdler Facts

    • The hurdler is one half table top and one half pike jump. There are right and left hurdlers just as there are right and left herkies. When doing the hurdler, one leg is straight, and the other leg is bent in the table-top position, as with the herkie. But with the hurdler, the hips are squared rather than open -- resembling more of a pike jump than a toe-touch -- and the arms should be straight out in front of you in a touchdown position.

    Hurdler Performance

    • Perform the hurdler as you would the herkie. The arm momentum motions are identical. The exception is that when you are in mid air, your arms will be in a touchdown position in front of you, not in a "T" as with the herkie. You should jump from the floor into the jump position as your arms swing from the high V.