PDFE #1

I observed the Varsity Cheerleading tryout clinic. It consisted of the contestants trying out and learning all the new material for the try out day. The cheerleaders’ actions were usually moving there was no object to manipulate because the cheerleaders were merely moving their bodies rather than an object. It was located in the Ford Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. The environment was not moving and not changing because it was inside. Yet, as the evening went on the cheerleaders got hotter and sweated more than they did when they started. The activities consisted of learning a cheer, a chant, and a dance, along with doing jumps and stretching. The activities were safe, I would say, because the cheerleaders were merely doing motions. However, during jumps, it would be very easy to land on or roll your ankle. This injury did not occur but it could be possible. The cheerleaders were learning movements to dance as well as with learning a cheer. They were being corrected with the motions they were making and had to learn motions that their bodies were not used to doing. These movements were enhancing their dance skills as well as with flexibility. The activities are developmentally appropriate because the cheerleaders will be required to repeat all of these motions again later on at the actual try out session as well as during the games. The motions also teach technique, sharpness, and correctness which can be helpful in other sports or activities.


If I was teaching or leading the clinic I would be more precise and make sure the cheerleaders or participants hit every motion accurately. I would also split them up and allow them to work in small groups together on the dance and cheer, that way they learn the requirements as well as bond together as a team. The participants appear to be enjoying the activity. They are working hard and get frustrated when they mess up, but for the most part they are having a good time. If they were not having a good time they probably would not participate in the activity. The cheerleaders’ motions, when they first learned the dance and cheer, seemed almost as if they were in the early stage of motion, because all of their motions were jerky and choppy. However, as the practice went on they got better and their motions were flowing better.