Cheerleading Tips- Tips for Spotters

Being on the cheerleading squad is a premium opportunity to show off your athletic and gymnastic prowess. There are so many duties on the cheer squad that you will likely have to wear many hats while wearing your cheerleading apparel. One very important job is the spotter. This duty is incredibly important because the success or failure of this job can mean safety or injury for another job on the team, the flyer.

So if you are a spotter, what are some things that you can do to make sure that you are on top of your game and your skills are sharp?

• Always keep your eyes on your flyers. Yes, this seems like a given but it is a necessary point to mention. When you are cheering at a game or competition, there are a lot of things that can distract your eyes from watching the flyer. There are fans in the stands applauding, yelling, holding signs, etc. If you are outside then there's nature, the sky, planes, cars, etc. The point is that you can be distracted and look somewhere else for only a second but that second can do some harm. Always watch your flyer. 
• When calling the stunt, make sure you can be heard by all the other cheerleaders on the squad; this is important because it keeps everyone on the same page. You want everyone on the same page for two reasons: 1) It makes you look prepared and not embarrassing. 2) It keeps people safe and functioning. So don't just say the stunt but yell it, it's better to be too loud than too soft. 
• Listen to your flyer, when (s)he says "Down" then act on it. Really listen for it. Remember, being on the same page and prepared keeps you all safe and the routines going strong. 
• Try not to laugh. Now, cheerleading is all about having a good time, in fact, your job is to create a good time for everyone else too. However, you should try to refrain from laughing during your routines because it can be distracting to the other cheer squad members and to yourself. You have to pay attention to what other people are doing and giving your attention to your flyers so they stay safe; if you are laughing, none of that is happening. 
• Do not let go of your flyer until you are sure they are stable on the ground. Safety for your flyer is your priority so make sure they are completely good to go before doing anything else. 
• Hold your flyer tight. Loose grips on your flyer can result in you losing your grip entirely and that means a hospital visit for your flyer. 

As a spotter, you have one of the most important jobs, if not the most important. Now go do it confidently and with spirit. 

If you have any questions about cheer gear, then contact Gear4Cheer - a Chicago cheerleading apparel company.