Motions! HANDS ON HIPS - This is pretty self explanitory. You place your fists on your hips.
DAGGERS (TABLE TOP) - arms bent, forearm directly in front of bicept, should be in front of you, not to the sides, keep fists in straight line with forearm
HIGH V - just like it sounds, as for your fists- the side with your thumb and pointer finger faces the crowd
LOW V - opposite of the High V
LEFT DIAGONAL - left arm looks like a High V, right arm looks like a Low V
RIGHT DIAGONAL - right arm looks like a High V, left arm looks like a Low V
LEFT L - arms form an L shape toward the left, top arm has the "pinky" side of fist faces the crowd, side arm has thumb and pointer finger side of fist faces the crowd
RIGHT L - arms form an L shape to the right, top arm has the "pinky" side of fist faces the crowd, side arm has thumb and pointer finger side of fist faces the crowd
"GO" MOTION (named because it's usually hit on the word GO) - right arm straight up, next to your ear, left arm on hip
TOUCHDOWN - both arms straight up next to ears, the "pinky" side of fist faces the crowd
LOW TOUCHDOWN - opposite of touchdown, arms slightly in front of the body, thumb and pointer finger side of fist faces the crowd
T MOTION - arms look like a T, thumb and pointer finger side of fists faces the crowd
HALF T - arms are in a shorter version of the T motion, arms are bent it to the chest with fists resting right in front of arm pit, the "pinky" side of fist is forward
LEFT K - you put your left arm up like a high v and your right arm across your body
RIGHT K - the opposite of the left k, you put your right arm up like a high v and your left arm across your body
How to improve your motions: » Sharp 'n Snappy - We've probably all heard this before when referring to motions, but what does it truly mean. It means your arms should be stiff and your muscles tight. Your transitions should be smooth, snappy and quick. You should punch your motions out with a lot of strength.
Never bend your wrists - Your wrists should never be bent, cocked or out of alignment with your arms.
» Elbows - If you're in an extended motion, your elbows should be locked.
» Arm placement - Your arms should always be slightly in front of you and level. Know exactly where the spot is to hit a motion and don't settle for anything else than that spot. Again, keep your arms stiff and muscles tight. Don't let your arms bounce or jiggle.
» Shoulders - Your shoulders should be relaxed and not raised up like in a shrug.
» Fists - Know in what direction your fist should be facing (Examples: In a High V your thumbs should be facing towards the crowd. In a Touchdown your thumbs should be facing away from the crowd). Always keep your thumb outside your fist. Here's a good link for fist directions on some of the most common motions. If ever in doubt, ask your coach.
» Transition - Take the shortest distance to the next motion and wait until the last second to make it. Move quickly and precisely.
Synchronize your motions - Your motions should correspond with the syllables of the words in your cheer/chant or the count of your dance routines and stunts.
» The clap or clasp motion - This simple motion is often overlooked. Your hands should be under your chin, your elbows in tightly and your fingers close together. It should look clean and neat.
