A CHEERLEADERS GUIDE TO THE GAME
As the Soccer and Basketball seasons approach their conclusions it's time to look forward to the contact sport where 'contact' takes on an explosive context. Of all the cheered sports in Britain - Gridiron was the first and still holds a high position in the number of squads supporting it.
Some three and a half hours long, in all weathers, it is a real test of cheerleaders stamina and conditioning. However, no other sport gives such opportunity to 'freestyle' your complete repertoire of techniques matching them to the action. Knowing what is appropriate, and when, is the key. Here is a simplified guide for cheering American Football that even the newest cheerleader can follow: When a play is about to start see which team has the ball before the snap. Memorise your Quarterback's shirt numbers and look for them. If you see these then you know you are on 'Offense' which means your team has the ball. Look for the yard marker pole on the oppositions sideline for the number on the top indicates which 'Down' number you are on. Remember your team gets 4 attempts (or Downs) to move the ball forwards ten yards or more. If they succeed they get another 'First Down', the yard poles are moved up and they carry on towards the all important Goal Line. A six point 'Touchdown' is scored when the ball is either carried over the Goal line into the End Zone, or passed to a player there. If successful they get the opportunity to kick an 'Extra Point' through the uprights of the Goal Post. A kick may be attempted at any time your team gets within range, and scores 3 points. 3rd Down is often a key point as 4th is usually used to 'Punt' the ball away to the other team if ten yards have not been gained. Then their team have the ball and you are on 'Defense". Use simple chants to fit a maximum of 30 seconds between plays. Start as soon as the play has ended, assuming there is no penalty called, and keep it going until your team comes back to the line. Stay quiet when your Quarterback makes his calls, then generally freak-out with jumps and spirit when the action moves forwards. Of course when you are on Defense you can encourage as much noise as you like during the other team's 'Audibles'. Watch for the Referee's signals as there are significant indicators as to the games progress. Learn the signals. Never cheer when the Officials are making their calls. Do not cheer when a Player is injured. Dissuade the crowd from acting negatively, especially to Referee's decisions which are always final and must be respected. Ask your Coach or Players after practice if you don't understand any aspect of the game, they will usually appreciate you taking a serious interest. Respect has to be earned, it is not automatic. Whether you have a small number of supporters or are lucky enough to have a good sized crowd you will have to prove yourselves to them as the Team's number one fans. This means good game knowledge and the ability to recognise key plays and situations without having to be prompted. In practical terms this can be achieved by having at least one person, usually the Captain, well versed in the essentials. Provided the rest of the squad have been trained in the game basics, and in seamlessly following her lead they will pick up a great deal as they go. Timing is important. Have all your Time-outs worked out beforehand on a list. Give a copy to the commentator with your music cassettes if he is queuing the music. Have each one on a separate cassette, clearly marked, with excess leader wound off so it's ready to insert and play. Watch out for the Time-Out signals and make sure you are ready to go the moment the Players come off. Time-Outs are 90 seconds and are your opportunities for performance routines. See Time-Out Planner Sheet. Look organised and you will look more professional. Pay close attention to the game because not only cannot you be seen to have missed the significance of a vital play but your safety could be put at risk. Always stay behind the Line of Scrimmage unless you can stand at least three yards outside the sidelines. If the ball or Players look to be coming your way then break off instantly and get clear. Whatever the sport, the better you understand the game the better will be your ability to develop good crowd communication and react correctly to play situations. An appropriate chant at just the right moment will spark off some of the crowd to join in with you, and once some start others will follow. Make eye contact, show plenty of spirit, and SMILE! When you get a reaction encourage adjacent sections in the stands to join in and get the flame to spread. |
