Before we start with the most popular cheerleading jump – the Toe Touch, please remember that ANYONE can have great jumps, it just takes tons of practice!! Also, most people think that you need to be able to do a perfect split to have a pretty Toe Touch Jump; that is not true -yah!!
It is a myth that you need to be able to do a perfect split to have a beautiful toe touch. If you actually look at the toe touch jump from the side, you will see that your body is in a “sitting” position and your legs come up to meet your hands. Also, you do not “touch” your toes -you should reach for your heels; this gives the illusion that your legs are “inverted or hyper-extended”. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Toe Touch Jump Execution Tips:
Arms: Reach for your heels, not your toes
Legs: Bring your legs UP TO YOU, don’t reach down for your feet. For the “inverted / hyper-extended”effect, keep your back completely straight and roll your hips under you as you reach for your heels at the top of your jump.
Feet: Point Your Toes!
Body: Keep your head and chest up. Keep your body in the “sitting”position and do not lean forward to reach your toes.
Landing: Snap your legs together using your inner thigh muscles, to make sure you land with your feet together. As always, land toe to heel and with bent knees; never land with your legs straight as you will hurt your bank and your knees.
For more Tips, Exercises and Stretching Techniques to perfect your Cheerleading Toe Touch Jump:
