In the last article I talked to you about knowing the difference between the two types of injuries in cheerleading. Now we are going to focus on the preventable injuries type. We all know what these types are. However, how do we prevent these injuries from occurring?.The first step is to know your team.
This is hands down the best rule of thumb when talking about safety. Most people do not take enough time in analyzing their team and teammates. For example, do you assess your teams current skill level and ability? Do you know exactly who your strong spotters (the people who insure the safety of the participant) are? Because you should know the answers to these questions.
Without this knowledge you are doomed to have preventable injuries happen.Let us start out by talking about skill level. Most teams out there want to hit those higher level skills. Afterall, we are all here to perform right. However, you have to know your teams skill level as well as your own.
For example, if you can do hands/elevator level stunts, your next step is to do extension/full level stunts. You would not go right into doing liberties before you can do extensions/fulls. Every stunt level has it's progression. Or in other words, there is a specific path to follow before you can get into higher level stunting.
Assess your teams skill level and your own. Then make a plan of action to reach those higher level skills.Now that you understand skill levels, you need to know your stunts.
Most people think that knowing a stunt simply means the ability to see and do it. However, that is only half the battle. In reality you also need to know where a stunt tends to fall as well as the proper techniques behind it.Firstly, knowing where a stunt tends to fall is essential. By knowing this information prior to doing the stunt, you can save numerous preventable injuries.Secondly, know how the stunt should be performed.
This eliminates all of the second guessing and poor posture. Second guessing will only lead into doubt; which leads to loss of focus. You must be 100 percent focused while stunting. On the other hand, poor posture leads into muscle and joint injuries (more on that later). You should know very aspect of a stunt before you go to perform it.
For more info visit http://www.cheerlogic.com, or send an email to cheerlogic@cheerlogic.com.
.Paul Hopkins has been cheerleading for over seven years. During this time he has been a part of teams at the high school, college, and professional levels. On top of that he has taught numerous clinics and privates to cheerleaders of all ages; including Pro team members. Some of his awards include a 24th place at partner stunt nationals. Paul also is a Certified Fitness Trainer through the I.
S.S.A.
(International Sports Sciences Association).
By: Paul Hopkins
