Free Cheerleading Routines

Many cheerleaders, squad captains, and coaches want to know where to go to learn free cheerleading routines. The best place to get a free cheerleading routine is to make up one yourself! However, there are a variety of resources for those who are stuck in a rut and needing something fresh.

Making Your Own Routines

The best way to make your own routines is to set aside some time, get some space (like the school gymnasium), bring a partner and just work on different moves together. Remember to work in counts of eight and keep trying until you get combinations that you really like. Think about adding numerous elements to your routines to make them exciting:

• Layering or staggering: Layering or staggering a routine helps keep it interesting. Layering is when cheerleaders perform the same move, but on different counts of the measure. You can also layer when some of your squad is performing on their knees, and others are performing while standing.
• Tumbling: Put difficult tumbling at the beginning while cheerleaders are fresh.
• Synchronized: Some synchronization makes a routine stand out. If you do it too much, it makes the routine look boring. However, synchronizing the squad on a few counts of eight will look impressive.

If you're in a creative rut or short on time, never fear. There are other ways to get free cheerleading routines.

Moves for Cheerleading Routines

One thing that helps your entire squad learn a new routine is to make sure that you have the same vocabulary. During camp, or at the beginning of the year, make sure you review basic cheerleading motions. Motions should be sharp and crisp, and all the girls should be able to move in sync. Taking the time to review or go over basics will allow your squad to quickly learn routines later in the season.

Resources for Free Cheerleading Routines

Whether your routine is for competition, the big half time moment or to perform at various games, there is a wealth of resources to help you create your routine.

Music Videos

Copying a move or two from the latest music video is not really all that new or ingenious. In fact, you'll often see the most popular and current dance moves in the latest music video. While you're probably not going to copy an entire routine, you can borrow elements and incorporate them into your own routine. Sometimes, a fresh perspective and a few different ideas are what's in order, but does it make you unoriginal? Not necessarily, especially since most routines are performed in sync with the rest of the squad.

Expert Village

Expert Village has some excellent videos on routine basics. At Expert Village, you can learn basic arm motions, how to do jumps, how to stunt and how to tumble. While someone speaking over a web cam won't give you feedback to help you improve your routines, you can learn a lot just by watching and practicing. Expert Village is an excellent resource for beginners.

You Tube

You tube is also an excellent resource for watching and learning new elements for your routine. If you are headed to competition, it's especially helpful to see what others have and are doing. While you won't get step-by-step instructions like you would on Expert Village, you will get to see video of a variety of squads performing their routines.

Books and DVDs for Cheerleading Routines

While a good book won't fit the bill if you're looking for something absolutely free, books can be invaluable to inexperienced coaches and new programs. Here are a few books that are worth checking out:

• Cheerleading Routines walks you through how to put together a great routine step-by-step.
• Cheerleading Cheer Dance Workout is a great DVD if you are looking for a fun workout for your girls. This video is definitely geared towards the younger cheerleader.
• Cheeracise: Cheer Like a Pro offers a workout and teaching model in one. Girls learn basic principles of cheerleading and get a great and age appropriate workout.

Remember to check your local library for more cheerleading resources. While you can't keep the books/DVDs forever, you can still get more great ideas for your routines.

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