Game-time cheerleading is about leading the crowd and supporting the team, not just performing. Sideline cheerleaders use short chants during play, longer cheers during breaks, sharp motions such as high Vs, T motions and punches, and signs or poms to help fans join in. The core skills are knowing the game well enough to pick the right chant for the moment, keeping motions sharp and voices loud, following your captain’s calls, and staying positive and respectful toward the other team and officials. New cheerleaders can learn the basics in a few weeks with regular practice.
This guide covers chants vs cheers, the basic motions, when to cheer during different sports, sideline etiquette, safety, how to practise and common mistakes.
Chants vs cheers
| Type | What it is | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Chant or sideline | A short, repeated phrase with simple motions | During live play, repeated several times |
| Cheer | A longer routine with words, motions and sometimes stunts or jumps | Timeouts, between quarters and halftime |
| Crowd call-and-response | The squad leads and the crowd answers | To get fans involved |
| Situational chant | Chants for offense, defense or big moments | Matched to what is happening in the game |
Basic motions
- High V: both arms straight up and out in a V shape, fists facing out.
- Low V: both arms down and out in a V shape.
- T motion: both arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Touchdown: both arms straight up, parallel.
- Punch: one arm straight up, the other on the hip.
- Clasp and clap: hands together in front of the chest, used between motions.
- Daggers and blades: sharp bent-arm positions at the chest or sides.
Motions should be tight, with locked wrists and straight lines. Every squad member hits each motion at the same time.
When to cheer in different sports
Football
Cheer offense chants when your team has the ball and defense chants when the other team has it. Keep chants short during plays and save longer cheers for timeouts and breaks. Stay quiet while your offense is calling plays at the line in some situations, following your coach’s guidance.
Basketball
Cheer during timeouts, between quarters and during dead balls. Avoid chanting during the other team’s free throws, which is often discouraged or prohibited by school sportsmanship rules.
Other sports
Volleyball, wrestling and soccer each have their own natural breaks. Learn the flow of the sport and cheer during pauses rather than during critical moments.
Sideline etiquette
- Face the crowd while leading chants, but keep an eye on the game.
- Never taunt the other team, players or officials.
- Stay out of the playing area and team bench zones.
- Follow the captain’s calls for which chant to do.
- Keep energy up even when your team is losing.
Safety on the sideline
Stay aware of the game so players and balls do not run into the squad. Stunts should only be performed on appropriate surfaces with trained spotters and coach supervision, and many school associations restrict stunts on hard or wet surfaces. Stay hydrated and protect your voice by warming up and using proper breathing.
Check your school, state association or national cheer governing body, such as the NFHS spirit rules or USA Cheer, for stunt safety rules and sportsmanship guidelines. Cheerleaders with injuries should see a healthcare professional before returning to stunting.
How to practise
- Learn and drill the basic motions in front of a mirror.
- Memorise your squad’s chant list, grouped by offense, defense and general.
- Practise voice projection from the diaphragm.
- Rehearse chants with the full squad until timing is perfect.
- Watch game footage to learn when to use each chant.
Common mistakes
- Soft motions: weak, bent arms look sloppy.
- Cheering at the wrong time: an offense chant on defense confuses the crowd.
- Turning your back to the crowd: the crowd is who you lead.
- Losing energy: enthusiasm should stay high all game.
- Taunting: goes against sportsmanship rules.
Sideline cheer vs competition cheer
Many squads do both game-day and competitive cheerleading, but the two have different goals. Knowing the difference helps new members understand why game-time skills matter.
| Feature | Game-time (sideline) cheer | Competition cheer |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Lead the crowd and support the team | Perform a scored routine for judges |
| Length | Short chants and cheers throughout the game | A set routine, usually a few minutes long |
| Skills | Motions, voice, crowd interaction, simple stunts where allowed | Tumbling, stunts, pyramids, jumps and dance |
| Timing | Reacts to what is happening in the game | Fixed choreography set to music |
| Success measure | Crowd involvement and team spirit | Score from the judging panel |
Using your voice properly
Game-time cheerleaders use their voices for hours, so good technique matters. Project from the diaphragm rather than straining the throat, keep chants in a comfortable lower pitch, and let the whole squad share the volume rather than one person shouting. Drink water throughout the game and rest your voice between events. If hoarseness lasts more than a few days, speak with a doctor or voice specialist.
Using signs, poms and props
- Choose signs with one or two large words, such as the team name or a simple call like “DEFENSE,” so fans can read them from the stands.
- Hold signs high and still for a few seconds so the crowd has time to respond.
- Use poms to make motions bigger and more visible, especially in large stadiums.
- Keep props away from the playing area and store them safely when not in use.
A simple game-day routine
- Arrive early, warm up and stretch with the squad.
- Review the chant list and any new material with the captain or coach.
- Check the sideline area for hazards and confirm where the squad is allowed to stand.
- Lead the crowd through the game, matching chants to the situation.
- Cool down and reflect on what worked after the game ends.
Stunting and tumbling rules on the sideline come from school associations and governing bodies such as the AACCA and NFHS, so check the current safety rules for your level.
Building crowd involvement
The best sideline squads make the crowd part of the performance. Teach the student section a few call-and-response chants before the season, use the same words every week so fans remember them, and point to a section of the stands to invite them in. Short, repetitive chants work better than long, complex cheers during play, because fans can join in after hearing them once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cheer and a chant?
A chant is short and repeated during play. A cheer is longer and performed during breaks such as timeouts.
What motions should new cheerleaders learn first?
High V, low V, T, touchdown and punch are the core motions most squads use.
When should cheerleaders not cheer?
During opponents’ free throws and other quiet moments where school or league rules discourage noise.
