A cheerleading pom, short for pom-pom, is a handheld bundle of plastic or metallic strands that cheerleaders and dance teams shake and hold during motions to add color, visibility and energy. Poms make arm movements easier to see from the stands, help squads show school colors and create striking visual effects in formations. They come in plastic, metallic and holographic styles, with different handle types, strand lengths and color mixes, and choosing the right ones depends on whether you use them mainly on the sidelines, in pom dance or in competition routines.
What poms are used for
Poms serve a practical purpose as well as a decorative one. From the upper rows of a stadium, individual arm motions can be hard to see. Holding a bright bundle of strands at the end of each arm makes every high V, T and punch far more visible, which helps crowds follow chants and makes the squad look bigger and sharper. Poms also add sound and movement when shaken, which is useful for building crowd energy after a big play.
In pom dance, a style of dance team performance, poms are central to the choreography. Dancers use them to create ripples, color changes and sharp visual lines across the team.
A short history of poms
Early cheerleaders used paper shakers and crepe paper poms, which were fragile and could fall apart or bleed color when wet. Vinyl poms became common in the mid 1960s, and their invention is often credited to Fred Gastoff. Plastic poms were more durable and weather resistant, which made them practical for outdoor football games. Since then, metallic and holographic materials have added more shine and variety, especially for dance and competition use.
Types of poms
| Type | Look | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Classic matte or slightly shiny strands | Sideline cheer and everyday use |
| Metallic | Shiny, catches stadium and stage lights | Performances and pom dance |
| Holographic | Sparkly, multi color reflective effect | Competitions and special events |
| Mixed | Combination of colors or materials | Showing multiple school colors |
| Show poms | Fuller, often with more strands | High impact visual moments |
Handle types
| Handle | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Baton handle | A rod runs through the middle of the pom, easy to grip | Sideline cheer and long games |
| Dowel or hidden handle | A short handle hidden inside the strands for a cleaner look | Dance teams and competition routines |
| Finger loop | A loop of strands or tape the hand slides through | Quick transitions and younger athletes |
Baton handles are comfortable for holding poms through long games and chants. Hidden handles create a more seamless look because the pom appears to float in the hand, which many dance teams prefer.
Choosing the right poms
Think about where you will use them. For outdoor sideline cheer, durable plastic poms with baton handles are practical and hold up to weather. For indoor performances under lights, metallic or holographic poms add sparkle. Strand length and width affect the look as well. Longer, fuller strands look bigger from a distance, while shorter strands are lighter and easier to control in fast choreography.
Color choice matters too. Many squads use poms that mix two school colors, while others use solid colors for specific parts of a routine. Check with your coach before buying, since most teams want everyone’s poms to match exactly.
How to use poms step by step
- Grip correctly. Hold the handle firmly in a fist, keeping your wrist locked just as you would for a motion without poms.
- Keep motions sharp. Hit each motion and stop cleanly so the pom finishes in the right place instead of swinging.
- Keep poms in front of the body. Just like normal motions, poms should be slightly in front of you so they are visible and controlled.
- Shake with purpose. Use pom shakes at the end of chants, after big plays or on specific counts in choreography.
- Match the squad. Practice pom positions together so heights and angles line up.
- Put them down properly. When stunting or tumbling, set poms down neatly in a designated spot so no one trips on them.
Fluffing and caring for poms
New poms usually arrive flat and need to be fluffed. Hold the handle and gently separate and shake the strands, working in small sections until the pom is full and round. Some squads lightly rub the strands between their hands to separate them. Take your time, since rushing can tear strands.
To keep poms looking good, store them in a bag or container so they do not get crushed or tangled. Keep metallic and holographic poms away from high heat, which can warp or melt the material. If poms get wet, shake them out and let them air dry before storing. Trim frayed strands with scissors to keep the pom looking tidy.
Common pom mistakes
- Letting poms swing loosely after each motion instead of stopping them.
- Holding poms with a bent wrist, which makes motions look soft.
- Forgetting to fluff new poms before the first game.
- Leaving poms on the floor where teammates can trip on them.
- Storing poms crushed at the bottom of a bag.
- Using poms that do not match the rest of the squad.
Poms in pom dance
Pom is also the name of a dance category, especially in school and competitive dance teams. Pom routines emphasize sharp, precise, synchronized motions with poms, often including visual effects such as ripples, where dancers hit the same motion one after another, and color changes, where dancers flip or rotate poms to reveal different colors. Clean technique, timing and uniformity are central to how pom routines are judged. Rules on routine length, props and skills vary by organization, so teams should check the current guidelines for their competitions.
Using poms on the sideline
On the sideline, poms work best with simple, repeatable motions that crowds can copy. High Vs, punches and big circles are easy to see from the stands. Many squads save pom shakes for specific moments, such as after a touchdown or at the end of a chant, so the effect feels special rather than constant. When the squad needs to stunt or tumble, poms should be set down in a neat row out of the way and picked back up quickly afterward.
For long games, a comfortable grip matters. Baton handles reduce hand fatigue, and switching hands during breaks can help. In rain or wind, plastic poms usually hold up better than metallic ones, which can tangle or lose shape more easily.
Buying and budgeting for poms
Poms are usually sold in pairs, and prices vary by material, size and customization. Custom color mixes and specialty materials like holographic strands typically cost more than standard plastic poms. Many programs buy poms for the whole squad at once to ensure colors and sizes match, and some keep a few spare pairs for new members or replacements during the season. Ordering early is wise, since custom poms can take time to produce.
Frequently asked questions
Are they called poms or pom-poms?
Both terms are correct. Cheerleaders and dance teams usually say poms, while pom-poms is common in everyday speech.
How do you fluff new poms?
Hold the handle and gently separate and shake the strands in small sections until the pom is full. Take your time to avoid tearing the strands.
What is the difference between cheer poms and dance poms?
The poms are similar, but dance teams often prefer hidden handles and metallic or holographic strands for a cleaner, shinier look, while sideline cheer squads often use durable plastic poms with baton handles.
