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adf831 · Jan 31, 2007, 07:04 PM

This might sound stupid, but I have wanted to be a cheerleader ever since I was little. So i have finally taken the initiative to join a cheer gym. The squad I want to join has these requirements and I was wondering how long everyone thinks it will be before an average person can learn these skills. I am pretty limber and a quick learner.

1. Standing Back Handspring
2. Round Off Back Tuck
3. Dancing and Motions

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME!!!

rudi_in · Jan 31, 2007, 08:23 PM

Thank you for posting your question to the Ask Me Help Desk.

This is a difficult question.

This is primarily because all of us learn at different rates and your current skill level is unknown although from your word choice it would appear as though you have had no training at all.

1. Standing Back Handspring

During my 16 years of coaching I have worked with gymnasts that learned this on the first day of class and some that still could not do it on their own after 6 years. Of course, there were several who fell in between there somewhere as well.

With a skilled coach, on average I would say 6 months to one year depending on age, frequency of training, and mental preparedness.

This of course takes into account the need for learning the basic progressions prior to training the advanced skills.

The skill can be learned faster if that is the only skill that is trained, however, this often leads to poor technique and increased risk of injury.

2. Round Off, Back Tuck

On average, at least a year if it is to be done well. The above information applies to this as well.

3. Dancing and Motions

Dance skills have a wide range of difficulty. Many can be learned easily on day one with little effort such as the hitch kick, cabriole, or static jumps... others can take much longer as they may have a strong dependence on strength and/or flexibility which will take time to develop.

Of course the amplitude and execution will need to be developed with these skills and that will take some time.

Choreographed routines will mostly depend on how much time and effort you put into them.

A great, influential coach, Jim Thompson has a great acronym that I like to use with my athletes...

DIMITT

Which stands for

Determination Is More Important Than Talent

Be prepared to set goals work hard.

Good Luck!

cheerchic24 · Apr 30, 2007, 06:32 PM

Considering that you have no experence:
Backhandspring- 6months to a year
Round-off back tuck- 1 year to two years
Of course all of this depends on how often you go to the gym, how often you practice at home, how fast you learn and how much you really want to learn it!!

CynthiaB · Jul 19, 2007, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by adf831

This might sound stupid, but I have wanted to be a cheerleader ever since I was little. So i have finally taken the initiative to join a cheer gym. The squad I want to join has these requirements and I was wondering how long everyone thinks it will be before an average person can learn these skills. I am pretty limber and a quick learner.

1. Standing Back Handspring
2. Round Off Back Tuck
3. Dancing and Motions

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME!!!

The handspring is the hardest in my opinion. Practice, practice, practice. I'm sure you'll do fine. You've already done the hard part(Getting started). Determination will get you far.

Ashley256 · Sep 21, 2007, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by adf831

This might sound stupid, but I have wanted to be a cheerleader ever since I was little. So i have finally taken the initiative to join a cheer gym. The squad I want to join has these requirements and I was wondering how long everyone thinks it will be before an average person can learn these skills. I am pretty limber and a quick learner.

1. Standing Back Handspring
2. Round Off Back Tuck
3. Dancing and Motions

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME!!!

Well the Back handspring will take about a month or 2 inless you practice everyday!It took me a month to get mine!Back tuck is so hard!So it might take a long time!
She might have the dancing and motions in 2 o 3 weeks

iloveLf221 · Sep 28, 2007, 01:08 PM

GoodNESS! A tuck is a tough feat to overcome in itself, let alone everything else, it is GREAT that you finally joined a Cheer Gym, I've been cheering for a LONG time, but how much have you got down so far?

mwilliams15 · Sep 30, 2007, 08:31 PM

Best advice I could give you is to take regular gymnastics tumbling classes. Start on the beginner level. If you are confident, pay close attention to detail, listen to everything your instructers tell you, you can get to where you want to be more quick. Also, don't be scared. As long as you have a good spot, you'll be find. You have to keep your mind open. If you try out for this team.. I'm assuming its an all star team.. and you don't make it the first time, don't worry! Keep your head up and keep working at it. Cheerleading is fun and very rewarding. You really can do whatever you set your mind to. Good luck girly!

TmichelleO · Feb 3, 2008, 06:38 PM

There is no way to tell how long its going to take for you to get you bhs or your tuck you just have to try it yourself... for the most part many cheerleaders or gymnast have the ability to do a bhs within weeks what takes so long is the mental part of flipping backwards... after you get over that part its not so difficult