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Mastering the Motions:
The Do’s and Don’ts to Having Good Arm Motions
Sharp, strong, clean motions are basic essentials required to being a great cheerleader. These motions come into play in more than just the cheers and sidelines you perform. They are in the dances you execute and the stunts you hit!
What does it take to have great motions? You must master these two elements:
1. PROPER MOTION PLACEMENT
2. SHARP MOTIONS
While practicing the following drills, keep these 3 things in mind:
1. Start with a nice, strong stance. Your feet should be a little more than shoulder width apart; your hands should be in fists and resting on your hips.
2. Keep your shoulders and hips squared forward
3. Keep your shoulders relaxed as you go through the motions
I. PROPER MOTION PLACEMENT
(This includes: Arm levels, arm/leg/body placement, fist & wrist direction) Stand in front of a mirror to check arm/body positioning. Try executing the following motions:
     
Hands on Hips High V Low V Right ½ High V Right "K" Left "K"
     
Right "L" Left "L" Right Diagonal Left Diagonal "T" Bent "T"
     
Bow & Arrow Table Tops High Table Tops Low Table Top Side Lunge Right Liberty
*In addition to practicing in front of a mirror, it is also a great idea to get a fellow squad member or coach with whom you can practice and critique.
Things to Avoid:
1. Bent wrists (Biggest Error!!)
2. Improper fist direction (Doughnut Holes)
3. Misplaced arm levels
4. Over-extension of arms
Things to Do:
Keep motions in front of you:
If you hit a motion properly, you should be able to see your arms/fists in your peripheral while looking forward (with the exception of a high table top motion).
Watch arm levels:
Keep shoulders relaxed! A T should be absolutely level! Any high or low V’s should look like a V
Use proper fists direction:
Right Liberty: Small Doughnut holes facing out towards the crowd.
Right/Left ½ High V: Big doughnut holes are facing out towards the crowd
Keep wrists flat (not bent):
Your wrists should be perfectly flat, as if they were extensions of your arms.
II. SHARPNESS
(This involves strength & precision of motion)
The key to sharp motions is to make the transition from one move to another as clean, simple, precise and quick as possible.
Things to Avoid:
1. Avoid bouncing or swinging your motions
2. Avoid extra motion or movement
Things to Do:
1. Hold your motion until the last possible moment before proceeding on to the next motion or movement
2. Don’t forget: Each move that you do is considered a motion. This includes: claps/clasps, bringing your arms to your sides, your hips, etc....keep these moves strong and tight.
3. Take the shortest distance from one motion to the next. Do not swing your arms or make a circular motion when hitting a motion. Make a straight line when changing motions.
4. Always practice sharp, strong motions. When you’re in practice and you’re marking through a routine, ALWAYS do your motions full out!
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