Rachel asked:

how to do a back handspring with beginner spotter

Chelsea’s answer:

Find a spotter who knows what they are doing -- Please!

Carina Freeman asked:

cheerleading games

Chelsea’s answer:

"Coach Says" (like Simon Says, but with cheerleading moves)

"Build a Monster" - separate team into two or more groups of 5 or more people. Give specifics about a "monster" they must build (ex. it must have only 6 legs, 4 ... Continue reading »

Kathryn asked:

How do you keep your arm movements straight and exact?

Chelsea’s answer:

A lot of cheerleading motions do not feel natural until you've been doing them for a while. Often, motion positions can feel correct, but aren't. When hitting any motion, you want there to be a straight line from the middle of the knuckle on the back o... Continue reading »

Monkey Mea-Mea AKA Meagan C. asked:

Do you think cheerleading is a sport?

Chelsea’s answer:

The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) say that "Cheerleading in its current format, does not meet the ... criteria (of the definition of a sport)."

Here is the link to their position paper:
http://www.aa... Continue reading »

Jamie Maynard asked:

discipline for cheerleaders not listening

Chelsea’s answer:

I used to work for a cheer gym that believed in "disciplining with natural consequences." If a child was not listening or not following instructions or showing little interest and being disruptive, the natural consequence would be not being a... Continue reading »

Ashley M0d3$+3/modeste asked:

How to do a front walkover

Chelsea’s answer:

Practice standing up from a bridge without the walkover. You've probably lost some flexibility, but don't worry, it's easy to get back.

The closer you can walk your hands to your feet in your bridge (i.e. the more flexible you are), the easier it wil... Continue reading »

Shellie O'halloran asked:

I am coaching 4-6 year olds for the first time. How many cheers can they remember? Should we play games at practice or just cheer?

Chelsea’s answer:

I think games are a great idea, but I usually save them for the end of practice (They always leave feeling positive and excited to come back). I like to play "Coach says" with lower levels because it is a fun way to learn the basics. It's jus... Continue reading »

Jordan Walczak asked:

DO YOU HAVFE TO BE ABLE TO DO A TOE TOUCH TO ORDER TO MAKE IT IN VARISY CHEER?

Chelsea’s answer:

The coach will most likely let everyone know at a meeting or at tryouts if there are any absolute requirements (i.e. "We won't accept anyone on Varsity without a toe touch"). Most programs do an overall tryout score and take the highest scori... Continue reading »

Lauren Weber asked:

im a coach for the first time, i have girls for 5 to 7 years old. how simple should i keep it?

Chelsea’s answer:

That's tough to say. It really depends on the group. I had girls ages 5 - 10 (which is too big a gap, if you ask me) and the 5 yr olds were barely grasping the material while the 8 + crowd was bored.
Keep it very simple to start, and see how it goes. I... Continue reading »

Russell Foltz Smith asked:

concussions - what do they feel like?

Chelsea’s answer:

http://www.braininjurysite.com/traumatic-brain-injury/concussion/?kid=686102&ad=18489739013