BASIC BEGINNERS MOVES

Motions:
1). Clap: The clap is the first of all cheer motions learned. Clap your hands together, keeping them about an inch below your chin. A clap is a motion, so when a cheerleader claps, he/she must keep the motion sharp and quick.
2). Basic T: Standing forward with your hands clapped together, place your arms straight out on both sides. Your fists should be closed, and your arms should be straight and level.
3). Goal Post: From the clap position, move both arms straight above your head. Your arms should be straight and touching the side of your head. Your fists should be closed and facing each other.
4). Cone Head: This motion is similar to the Goal Post. Keeping your arms straight, move them straight above your head and clap your hands together.
5). High V: Place your arms in a v-like motion above your head. From the goal post motion, your arms should be slightly wider to form a High V. Your fists are closed and your arms should be slightly in front of you, enough that you can see your fists out of the corner of your eyes.
6). Low V: This motion is the exact opposite of the High V. Move your arms down into a v-like shape by your sides.

Variations:
You can always substitute fists for blades. A blade is a hand extended straight out, not in fists. This will give a different flair and style to any motion.

JUMPS
The toe touch is the most widely used jump in cheerleading and dance today. Other popular jumps include the pike, the around the world, the spread eagle, and the side hurdler. The three main parts to the toe touch, and other jumps, are the prep, the lift, and the landing. The prep is like the birth of the jump. It gives jumps height and grace. Without the prep, jumps would be more difficult. The lift is important because it is what extends your legs and your arms into the right position. The landing completes the jump. This seemingly unimportant part of the jump is what most people have difficulty with. Landing with feet together gives the jump a finished look.
#1 - The Prep
Your basic prep begins with feet together, your weight focused through your toes, and arms in a high V motion. Next, lift your body up through your shoulders, quickly swing arms in a circle, and bend at the knees to build up to the lift.
#2 - The Lift
You should jump off the ground, pushing through your toes, when your arms reach the top of their swing. Once you are airborne, use your abdominal muscles to pull your legs up toward your arms. Hit your jump with your body upright (don’t lean down) your head up (SMILE) and your toes pointed.
#3 - The Landing
Bring your legs together quickly so your feet are together when you land. Also bend your knees slightly to take the pressure off of your knees and ankles. If your feet aren’t landing together, lower your jump and concentrate on good form. As you practice, your muscles will strengthen and you will be able to jump higher AND have a good landing.

Toe touch Tips: Don't try to actually touch your toes. In a great toe touch, your hands will usually reach for the insides of your ankles. *If you place your arms slightly lower than a "T" motion, it might make good jumps look even better.

Table Top Tips: This jump may also be called an Abstract or a Double Hook depending on where you live. Make sure that your legs are parallel to the ground, like you're sitting on a table. Arms may be placed in a High V motion to give the jump a higher look.