Cheer/Tumbling help?

Question

I'm already a cheerleader at my high school but now we are adding tumbling to the mix. We are going to be taking an hour long class twice a week as a team. We will be doing this for 8 weeks. I have no tumbling experience at all, (no cartwheel, no handstand, etc.) I can kind of do a back bend and I can do the splits. My question is, with those circumstances, what do you think I can accomplish in those 8 weeks. Specifics are appreciated. Also, how long do you think it will take for me to get a back handspring, backtuck, full, etc.? I know, take it one thing at a time but still, I want to know.

I also plan on going to the open gym (practice on their equiptment for free) once a week for two hours

Answer 1

Without a handstand and bridge it will take you longer to learn that back handspring. So here are some tips for getting in shape to nail that bhs: http://geocities.com/aescougarcheer/basics.htm#td

Answer 2

i had almost the same situation.. i had no tumbling skills except the backbend and splits too
so i decided to take a tumbling class with my coach and 2 of my friend cheerleaders... there were 3 little kids in the class and thats it so it was smaller than your class would be but probably more hectic since kids have a low attention span..
but anyways in the 8 weeks i had class i learned how to do a handstand and cartwheel. my classes were an hour once a week. we really didnt get to backhandspings but one of my friends actually got hers with 2 spots so....
it all depends how good you are at picking up new skills....
if you practice at home you will get alot farther tho. so good luck and dont get too frustrated if it doesnt come fast... trust me you'll improve as long as you try.

Answer 3

I have been in your same position b4...last yr, i took gymnastics all through like August06-March07, for cheer and I accomplished a cartwheel, and a back-bend...that's it. But I admit, I didn't put my heart and soul to gymnastics, that's probably why I didn't get very far. I've given myself a goal this yr to get at least a back handspring b4 the end of competitive. My suggestion to you is to try, try, try...I'm serious, keep trying and take advantage of your time with the instructors, then practice at home (DON'T do anything alone that you need a spot for...only do like back walkovers and stuff at home!)
Hope I helped! :D

P.S.
During one of my competitions last year, i overheard a girl say that she got her back handspring in one day!

P.S.S.
Don't be too hard on yourself though, your body can only handle so much, do what you can, and when you see other girls (or guys) around you doing fulls and back tucks and stuff and you don't have them, don't get frustrated (i used to do that a lot) chances are they've been in gymnastics all their life (like in my situation).

Answer 4

Everyone learns at their own pace so it is difficult to say whether or not you need more time. Personally as a coach I recommend you enroll in tumbling classes on your own in addition to the team classes because you will have more one on one attention. Nailing a backhandspring and learning to do a cartwheel are two different things. Good Luck.

Answer 5

you sure can accomplish all that in 8 weeks i'm glad you added tumblings to the mix it'll look better good choice by the way of course you can it all takes practice lol well hope it helps