Do you have what it takes to be a cheerleading flyer? A cheerleading flyer is the person at the top of the list for stunt performers. You have seen her in her cheerleading uniform. It is the girl who gets raised and thrown high into the air. It may be one of the most marvelous positions in cheerleading along with one of the more dangerous ones. It offers a sensational and electrifying feeling of flying through the air.

Cheerleading is a team sport. Each person on the squad is important. In order for a flyer to be successful, she must have great spotters. Weight and height do play a major role in whether you can be a flyer or not. However, if you have the awesome ability and the proper skills you could have what it takes to be a flyer.

An accomplished cheerleader should have what it takes to fill any job on her squad. Part of being a team player means doing the position your team needs you to do. Don’t set limitations by assuming you can only do one thing. You can do anything you set your mind to. However, there are skills and abilities that you will need to obtain to be a great flyer.

First of all, you need to be confident. Attitude can be everything in cheerleading. You must know in your heart that you can do it. If you think you can’t do something, you will sell yourself short in the long run. You must trust yourself and your teammates. You must know that if you fall, they will catch you. Knowing that your teammates won’t let you fall and that you won’t get hurt will help you to concentrate on getting the job done.
You must keep your hips and thighs stable. Don’t ever jolt your legs. You must be able to maintain your own weight. You have to be able to raise yourself with your arms. Maintaining your balance is very important. You must stay very stiff. Use your bases to keep yourself from wiggling. Timing is everything! You have to know what to do and when it needs to be done. Your job is to know when the correct level has been achieved to hit the stunt. You cannot have a fear of heights in order to be a flyer. It is important to keep eye contact with your audience. You will be the crowd motivator. Make sure to show the audience your beautiful smile!

As a flyer, remember to keep your legs tucked in so your feet are off the ground. When this drill is mastered, you will be able to move into stunting. During each stunt, it is important for the flyer to remember to stand up as fast as possible, stay tight, and keep those legs straight!

You need comfortable clothes in cheerleading. When practicing, you should wear cheer shorts, cheer t-shirts, cheer stretch pants, and cheer sneakers. During performances cheerleaders will wear their team’s cheerleading uniforms. It is a good idea to wear a sports bra. If you have long hair you should put it in ponytail. Headbands are good if you have short hair. It is a good idea to have a cheer bag with clothes to change into after a game or the competition. Pom-poms are a great accessory for cheerleaders and are pretty much mandatory.

If you want to be a flyer, you should know that it would take hard work and dedication. It takes a special individual to truly trust your teammates when they are throwing you up in the air. Being a cheerleader is no walk in the park. Cheerleading is not considered to be a sideline activity anymore. This sport involves intense competition, dedication, hard work and a true love for the sport.

Popularity: 97% [?]

When making any major purchasing decision, be it a personal or cheer team purchase, it is pivotal to understand the constraints of a properly calculated budget. This is undeniably true regarding cheer gear and cheerleading uniform purchases for athletic teams. After calculating a budget, the next step in the purchasing process is deciding where to purchase the cheerleading uniforms. The items may be purchased entirely from one retailer or wholesaler, or they may be purchased from several different sellers. The decision of where to purchase cheerleading uniforms should be guided principally by the aforementioned budget.

After tallying a budget and researching various suppliers for the desired cheerleading gear, it is necessary to decide which items, if any, should be name brand, while the remaining items required to complete the purchase will be generic. Name brand gear can usually be purchased for an entire team at a discount by buying from a wholesaler or directly through the cheerleading apparel and gear company itself. Purchasing all of the necessary items (i.e., cheerleading uniforms, shoes, pom poms, etc.) from the same company can also result in further discounts, as dictated by economies of scale and the supplier’s willingness to create a strong seller/buyer bond, or even an exclusive purchasing agreement, with the team. If a price quote for desired name brand cheerleading gear falls within the delineated budget, and the need to purchase name brand equipment is rather strong, then name brand gear is probably a good purchasing decision. However, it is imperative to avoid stretching the budget too thin in the pursuit of more expensive gear, as future replacement, repair, and unforeseen cost considerations must be considered.

It is the expected and unexpected future costs that lend deference to the idea of purchasing generic cheerleading gear as opposed to name brand gear. Generic gear will not only fall within the parameters of more budgets than name brand gear, it can also give a similar air of authenticity without undermining the functionality of the gear itself. It is the opportunity cost of price versus durable functionality that truly highlights the importance of researching the products and the reputation of the suppliers when purchasing generic gear. As opposed to name brand gear, which is generally presumed to incorporate higher levels of quality into its products in order to preserve brand equity, generic gear can come at a lower price but a higher replacement cost. Therefore, product research is vital when choosing appropriate generic gear.

A compromise between name brand and generic alternatives is another way to proceed with purchasing cheerleading uniforms. For instance, a specific team might find it desirable to wear uniforms that bear a brand name logo. On the other hand, the same team may want to cut total costs by purchasing functionally sound gear that happens to be generic. Conversely, if logo-emblazoned uniforms are not a necessity, it might be more appropriate for a team to purchase generic cheerleading uniforms while investing in specific cheer shoes and other more expensive gear that are tailored to the specific type of cheerleading routine that the team performs at athletic events and competitions. For example, shoes with arches and soles that are designed for greater impacts would be necessary for routines that employ a lot of acrobatic jumps and leaps from high positions.

In conclusion, understanding the needs and funds that are available to a singular cheerleader or an entire team, and consequently creating a customized budget that accounts for future necessary expenditures, is the most necessary way to determine whether to buy brand name or generic cheerleading gear. Such a purchasing decision is independently relative to each scenario, therefore no single methodology described above can be universally correct. Understanding individual needs, and the best way in which to satisfy them within the confines of a proper budget, is the underlying bedrock of any major purchase.

Popularity: 83% [?]

Your team’s cheerleading uniforms are a reflection of of your squad’s cheerleading style and spirit. Updating your cheerleading look is important so that your performances are always top notch, your uniforms are always comfortable and current and your style is always modern.

From simple lines to interesting patterns, new fabrics and sequins, the popular cheerleading uniforms of 2009 are both fun and diverse.

Here are the winners for the best cheerleading uniforms of the 2009-2010 cheer year based on best patters, best new matierial and best embellishments:

Best Pattern: Double Knit Diamond Cheerleader Shell Top for $17.95.

This fashionable double knit cheer uniform top by Chassé has an attractive diamond pattern that is very flattering. It features a side zipper and straight bottom.

Best New Fabric: Nylon Stretch Sequin Cheerleader Uniform Top for $29.95.

The brand new Ultra-lite 12.5 oz. Nylon/Spandex stretch cheer unitop features a silver sequin design V-neck. This amazing material allows for extreme mobility when performing stunts. Chassé has scored again with this cutting-edge new look!

Best Embellishment: Nylon Stretch A-Line Cheerleading Skirt for $24.95

Check out this cute cheerleading uniform skirt. Made with the same Nylon Stretch material as the top that I mentioned, this a-line cheer skirt features a stunning embellishment: a silver sequin stripe on the hem. The skirt also  with front V-notch and side vents. Made by Chassé.

Best Skirt Style: Double Knit Star A-Line Cheer Skirt for $19.95

My favorite skirt of the season is this adorable Double-Knit Polyester cheer skirt with a white star side panel. The skirt is extremely comfortable for performing and has a zipper back.

Popularity: 50% [?]

It’s important to add style to your cheerleading uniforms to create a polished and fashionable look. Some great ways to add flair to your cheer outfits include cheer bows, totes, socks, shoes and pom poms. Here are some of the latest looks in cheer accessories:

1) 2 Color Sequined Cheer Hair Bow: This color sequined hair bow is a cute and sparkly addition that will brighten up your cheer uniform. Made by Chassé, this cheer bow features a white ribbon and metallic ribbon with sequins that is available in thirteen colors.

2) I Love Cheerleading Bag: Add this funky and fun bag to  your cheerleading outfit. The I Love Cheerleading bag features a red sequin heart with a zipper pocket and a zebra print. Perfect for carrying any of your cheer gear or personal items.

3) In-Stock Metallic/Holographic Mix Pom: Show your style and flair with some metallic/holographic poms! This pom features a metallic color with holographic silver and has a streamer length of 3/4” W X 6″. These pom poms also have Baton handles and approximately 1400 streamers per pom. Made by Chassé.

4) Cheer Shoes with Color Inserts: The Chassé Flip is the ideal cheer shoe to accessorize with your cheerleading  uniform. Featuring color inserts to match your cheer uniform, these shoes have a circular tread design rubber outsole for secure traction along with a scalloped arch and heel for stunt control.

5) Heart and Meg Flip Crew Sock: Show your cheer spirit with these fun socks! Perfect for cheerleading jumps and stunts, these cheerleading socks have a white anklet with the word cheer at the top of socks and flips down to reveal vibrant hearts in fourteen different colors and black megaphones.

Popularity: 91% [?]

Campus Teamwear is excited to announce the launch of the new 2009 Spring/Summer cheerleading apparel catalog! The catalog will feature the newest looks in cheerleading warm-ups, uniforms, pom poms, shoes and camp wear. Our cheer t-shirts and tanks feature the latest design styles, from camo-chic to earth-friendly.

You can also see more of the popular cheerleading brands that we feature for all of your cheerleading needs, including: Zoe Cheer, Chassé, Adidas, Nike, Soffe, Kaepa, Nfinity, Nike, Converse, Power and Asics. With great deals from $17.95 for cheerleading shoes, cheerleading briefs from $4.95 and cheerleading shells and skirts from $15.95 - you won’t want to miss out!

Plus, Campus Teamwear is introducing the new Chassé Nylon Stretch Sequin Cheerleader Uniform (view uniform, left), now available online! This cheer uniform features comfortable nylon stretch material with a long-sleeve and is embellished with sequins for a stylish look.

Popularity: 47% [?]

Spring is almost here, and it’s a great time to purchase your cheerleading warm-ups! In addition to your cheerleading uniform, warm-ups are a necessity on and off the field. The latest cheerleading warm-up styles boast fashionable designs while providing total comfort. Take a look at my picks for the best cheer warm-ups:

The Chassé Double Knit Panel Jacket Warm-Up Suit has amazing versatility and is customized according to your specifications. This particular warm-up outfit also comes in a wide array of colors from to match to your cheerleading uniform and school colors.

Check out the NEW Poly Tricot Knit Warm-Up Jacket and Women’s Poly Tricot Knit Pants from Zoe Cheer (image shown on the left).  With a vibrant tricolor design and front zipper, the newest warm-up addition is stylish and functional. This will be available in the upcoming weeks.

Another one of my favorite cheerleading outfits is the Poly Tricot Warm-Up. This very affordable option is only $35.95 and is accented with white piping. You can also customize the look with your team’s name and logo through Campus Team Wear’s sales office at 1-800-871-0063 x 300.

And don’t forget to accessorize your new warm-ups! Check out cheerleading pom poms and cheerleading shoe styles at cheerleadingonline.com.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Part of what makes shopping for cheerleading uniforms so unique – especially today with the Internet on our side – is the fact that every year is something different. Cheerleaders face different circumstances every time they get out on that field or that competition stage. They may have just joined a new team that requires them to don completely different cheerleading apparel than they were previously wearing. Or the squad of which they have been a member for some time may be exploring some new styles that go along with a change in team color or logo. Whatever the changes that the cheerleader sees on a year to year basis, it is imperative that they are working with a cheerleading apparel vendor that can respond to the ever-changing needs of a growing squad.

What this really means is that the best cheerleading apparel vendors are ready and able to provide for whatever material needs are faced by their customers. So if the squad is in need of new skirts, new tops, or new cheerleading shoes, the vendor is easily able to fulfill that order with high quality products and affordable prices.

But such vendors should also be able to fulfill the need for comprehensive cheerleading uniforms – from top to bottom – through special packages that offer a full range of products at different price points. For instance, some standard packages available for cheerleading uniforms through reputable cheerleading apparel vendors may include:

• A basic package that includes a cheerleading skirt and shell top for one set price.

• A higher level package that, in addition to the skirt and top, includes a pair of briefs and socks for a slightly higher price.

• A comprehensive package that includes the skirt, top, brief, socks, cheerleading pom poms, and even additional accessories.

Cheerleading apparel vendors should be able to cover the gamut of what the modern cheerleading squad wants and needs on a year to year – and season to season – basis; without taking an eye off of quality and competitive pricing.

Popularity: 27% [?]

There are many things with which cheerleading squads must be concerned as we discussed in the last post; obviously their routines and stunting must be on point, as must their ability to perform cohesively as a unit. This cohesiveness, however, goes beyond performing well as it is also important that a cheerleading squad look their best on their field of play.

Luckily, online resources allow cheerleading squads to seek out the cheerleading apparel that will work the best for them on a number of different levels. Well chosen cheerleading uniforms look great in terms of branding a cheerleading squad; but they also do much to inspire a crowd. The following cheerleading apparel are sought out to pull the look of a cheerleading squad together:

*Cheerleading uniforms. The many components of cheerleading uniforms – skirts, tops, shorts, and the like – are chosen in school or team colors and are dependent upon a team’s overall style.

*Body basics. These may not inspire a crowd in terms of being seen but the body basics as a part of cheerleading apparel – including safe and stylish cheerleading shoes - help cheerleaders to perform comfortable and safe routines; all the better for elevating their overall performance and working to energize a crowd.

*Cheerleading pom poms. These simple pieces of cheerleading apparel are what are most often associated with cheerleaders and their performance. Cheerleading pom poms can work a crowd into an appropriate frenzy, punctuate cheers, and include the audience in the act of cheering on their team. Cheerleading pom poms are also used within cheerleading competition – as a fun and colorful piece of cheerleading apparel.

*Other cheerleading apparel. Everything from fun outerwear that identifies a team to megaphones can be found online and used to add to the overall look and performance of a cheerleading squad.

Popularity: 23% [?]

In the last post we talked about competition among cheerleading squads and how those squads that are given the opportunity to compete on a regional or national level must prepare diligently. Knowledge is key to preparation; in this case cheerleading squads would do well to understand in advance the criteria on which they will be judged during competition. Every competition differs according to level and a number of other factors but there are certain criteria that you can expect to see across the board in competition including a look at the stunts performed during the performance and the safety measures that are taken during the performance. Additionally, some of the other criteria include:

* Dance. Part of cheering is dancing; judges in competition look for well choreographed and executed dance routines that are in done in sync; uniformity, creativity, and skill level are all judged accordingly.

* Cheerleading uniforms. Part of being a cohesive team in competition is looking like a cohesive team in competition. To this end, having high-quality cheerleading uniforms and other cheerleading apparel that are in line with team colors and style is crucial for success. Remember that you are judged in all areas of competition and while your cheerleading uniforms may not receive a number score they surely make a significant impression on the judges.

* Timing. Cheerleading squads in competition are given time guidelines within which they should give their performance. It is important that every part of the routine – cheer, dance, and stunting – fall within this guideline. Going over in time will reflect badly on the squad.

* Cheering. Of course, the most important component for any cheerleading squad is their ability to perform high-spirited, motivating cheers that bring excitement to the room. Whether it’s with the use of their cheerleading pom poms or cheers done without the use of any props, cheers will ultimately set a great squad apart from their competition.

Popularity: 21% [?]

When most people think of cheerleaders they undoubtedly think of the squad of uniformed team members that stand on the side line of the big game, cheering between plays and then performing their full routine – complete with dance and stunting – during halftime. And cheerleaders may fit this definition in many cases. But there is another level to cheerleading that many people forget; and that is competition.

Cheerleading squads – either school teams or those teams that are formed through various cheerleading organizations for competition purposes only – enter into competition to go up against other teams of similar skill levels. This is where the athletic prowess of a cheerleading squad really shines as they have the opportunity to showcase their skills. Competitive squads will practice rigorously to perfect their routines including dance, stunting, and cheers. Elements that each cheerleading squad are judged on are different from competition to competition so it makes sense for the squad to find out ahead of time what they will be judged on once they get there. Everything after that is preparation.

Some of the common things that will be looked at in competition include:

* Stunting. People who think that cheerleaders do nothing except wave their cheerleading pom poms around and chant some cheers do not understand the nature of competitive cheerleading. Cheerleaders on this level are competitive athletes and skilled gymnasts. Stunting is a part of competitive cheerleading and judges look for well implemented stunts that are integrated into the overall routine. They will often judge a squad on the difficulty level of the stunts they perform during competition.

* Safety. Cheerleading – like any sport – can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Competition judges look to make sure that any routines are done within safety guidelines – including spotting stunters - and that proper cheerleading apparel is used to facilitate safe routines including solid cheerleading shoes that help protect cheerleaders from injuries.

In the next post, we’ll continue to talk about some of the crucial elements that are judged in cheerleading competitions and what squads can do to prepare.

Popularity: 23% [?]