Herkie (also spelled Hurkie) is a kind of jumpstart in cheerleading, named after Lawrence Herkimer, who was an innovator and inventor of pom-poms in the cheerleading world. Herkie jumps can be done coolly as a single move or as the culmination of a complex cheerleading routine. However, we can easily forget that this movement requires a level of athleticism that requires a lot of practice and time, especially when we are watching someone who can easily do a herkie. See Step 1 below to start learning how!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Doing an Amazing Herkie
Step 1. Warm up
As with all types of exercise, you should warm up before starting cheerleading. Warm up by doing light cardio and stretching. Raising your heart rate before starting your routine will ensure that it gradually rises to the level of your exercise state. In addition, stretching the muscles will increase their flexibility as you perform and can protect you against injuries that may result from overusing the muscles (although this has been debated in recent years). Warm up to prepare for a herkie by stretching (focusing primarily on your lower body and core, which are the muscles that will support you the most), followed by jumping exercises or jogging sessions to get your heart rate up.
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One stretch that is especially useful for cheerleaders who want to try herkies is a move called the herkie stretch. In this stretch, the cheerleader will mimic the position of the herkie's movement in the air when he is on the floor (not jumping). Be aware that this stretch requires you to do splits, so if you're not flexible enough to do it, you may need to gradually increase your flexibility with regular stretching sessions. To do herkie stretch, follow the steps below:
- Sit on the floor with your back straight and your head held high.
- Point your stronger, more flexible leg in front of your body. Do this at the same time as moving the other leg so that this leg is bent to the side of your body.
- Try to slowly reach your toes from the foot in front of you. Hold this position for 30 seconds and feel a gentle stretch as you do it.
- Change legs. When you do a herkie, you're stretching your stronger, more flexible leg (which is in front of your body), however, stretching the other leg is also useful for increasing your overall flexibility and making your muscles feel like they've been stretched "evenly".
Step 2. Stand straight
When you are ready to do a herkie, get into a proper, upright posture. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight. Keep your chin up and shoulders back in a relaxed pulled position.
Don't forget to smile! Being a cheerleader isn't just about your athletic abilities - it's also about your ability to create an emotional connection with the audience. Maintaining a happy and attractive expression on your face when you perform will share these emotions with the audience. Ask yourself a question: which one will grab the audience's attention more - a move made by a group of sad-faced cheerleaders, or one that looks enthusiastic?
Step 3. Start counting in eight taps
Just like many other cheerleading moves, the herkie is done to a certain rhythm. Start counting "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8" with equal intervals between each number. When you reach the count of 8, return to 1 and repeat. Your count of eight should repeat like "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1, 2, 3, 4…". When you do a herkie, you'll be timing your moves to match this rhythm, ensuring that your routine stays rhythmically coordinated. This is especially important if you have teammates, as uncoordinated group members will look like a collection of amateur cheerleaders when performing.
If you have trouble counting in your mind as you move, put on an accompaniment! Most dance accompaniments that are modern and have a club dance feel usually contain steady four-beat beats that are suitable for practice
Step 4. Clap both hands on the count of "1"
When you've mastered the beat and are ready to try herkie, count "…5, 6, 7, 8, 1…". On the count to "1", clap your hands in front of you. Your arms should be in a vertical position and your hands should be together in front of your chin or upper chest.
Maintain this position for a count of "1" and "2"
Step 5. Move your arms to form a tall V on the count to "3"
There are some common variations of the arm movement that you can do as part of your herkie jump. However, almost all of them require you to make a high V, because by swinging your arms into this position, you can gain momentum for your jump. On the count of 3, immediately move your arms in front of your body into a firm V shape, stretching each of your arms diagonally across your body.
- Maintain this position on the count to "3" and "4".
- Move both arms quickly and steadily. Keep them both straight. Pretend you're out in public - make sure you look upbeat and energetic, not limp.
Step 6. Swing your arms down and bend your knees on a count of 5
Next, still on this count of five, swing your arms down, across your body. The arms should cross at the wrist and form an X. As you do this, bend your knees in preparation for your jump.
Avoid bending at the waist as you perform this move - this is a common mistake beginners make. Make sure your posture remains straight and straight throughout the herkie's movement (except when you're in the air). Remember, you have to jump with both feet, not with your waist or lower back
Step 7. On the count of "6", jump in a pose
Use your glutes and thighs to get yourself into the air as high as you can, getting off the floor using the pads on the soles of your feet. As you begin to move away from the floor, straighten your stronger leg forward so that the inside is parallel to the floor (if you're flexible enough, try moving your leg slightly up and out of your body instead of straight ahead). Move your other leg under and behind your body. Do a pose with both arms simultaneously. There are several options for this arm movement. The most common are:
- Swing both arms back up to form a high "V" position.
- "Point" your arms straight up.
- Swing your arms out to your sides so that they are parallel to the floor. This movement will result in a "T" shape.
- Make a fist on the side of your bent leg under your body and place it on your hip. Raise the other arm above your head in a cool "touchdown" pose.
Step 8. Land again by bending both knees to a "7" count
After performing the pose in the air for a short time, swing your legs back down and your arms back to your sides. Bend your knees slightly as you touch the floor. This is important to avoid injury. Keep your arms fairly straight while at your sides. You should land back on the count to "7".
- As you land, maintain this position, with your knees bent and your hands at your sides, for a count of "7" and "8". Return to the starting position with your body straight on the count to "1". Safe! You have completed your herkie.
- Keep your back straight as you land. Don't fall into a bent or shriveled position when you hit the floor. Bend your knees and arms slightly at your sides, but don't bend your waist, body, or head.
Step 9. Put it all together
When you've worked all the individual parts of this herkie move so you're good at it, combine them all in one smooth move. To redo it, adjust your actions to these eight counts:
- …5, 6, 7, 8 (optional): Warm-up count. This count familiarizes yourself with a steady beat for a count of eight beats after it.
- 1: Clap your hands in front of the body.
- 2: Defend your position.
- 3: Move both arms to form a high V letter above the body.
- 4: Defend your position.
- 5: Swing your arms across your body and bend your legs.
- 6: Jump up and do herkie pose in the air.
- 7: Land with your knees bent.
- 8: Maintain balance and body position.
- 1: Return to the starting position.
Part 2 of 2: Exercising to Prepare for the Herkie Move
Step 1. Practice
No one is born with the ability to perfectly herkie - not even Lawrence Herkimer. To reach a stage where you can do herkie effortlessly and in a natural way, you'll need to practice a lot and get used to your body. Be determined - even if you have trouble jumping at first, you'll eventually be able to do herkies if you keep practicing. In this section, we show you some ideas for developing the strength and flexibility needed to perform the herkie move. However, the only way to become proficient at herkie moves is to try it, so practice starting today!
Keeping a sense of humor while practicing can also help keep you motivated. Remember, while crowd cheering is fun, you should also practice your cheerleading skills for personal enjoyment and satisfaction
Step 2. Stretch to build flexibility
In addition to requiring great muscle strength, herkie also requires good flexibility. To flex your muscles for optimal performance, start practicing static stretching techniques. Since herkie moves involve jumping and performing leg movements while you're in the air, prioritize stretching your lower body and core. For example, the herkie stretch (described above), is a great move to incorporate into your flexibility training routine. However, this doesn't mean you should forget about stretching your upper body. The following is an example of a stretching routine you can use. Do it daily by stretching for 20-30 seconds in each set and repeat for three sets.
- Herkie stretch (see explanation above)
- Hamstring stretch (do the hamstring stretch against the wall)
- Hip stretch (do stretching the flexor muscles in the hip)
- Groin stretch (do the butterfly stretch)
- Lower back stretch (do cat pose in yoga pose)
- Thigh stretch (stretch your thigh muscles standing up)
- Shoulder stretches (stretch the shoulder muscles leaning back)
Step 3. Develop lower body and core strength for a powerful jump
Tall Herkies require strong muscles. To improve your glide time in the air and your throwing speed and power, start doing strength exercises that target your lower body and core. While the strength of the muscles in your lower body is the most important factor in the strength of your jump, you should also train your core muscles because they are important for maintaining balance and stability and preventing injury. Here are some of the types of exercises you should focus on if you want to improve your herkie moves:
- Do squats. This exercise will form the core of your lower body, as squats work several of the muscle groups used in the herkie move. While doing so, be careful not to get injured. Ask an experienced trainer if you don't master squats safely.
- Do lunges. A variety of lunges (such as side lunges, walking lunges, etc.) can help increase leg strength. So, these exercises are great for improving herkie moves, especially when you don't have the tools handy to practice with.
- Do deadlifts. This exercise will not only increase the strength of your lower back, glutes, and core, but will also stretch your hamstring muscles. However, like squats, this exercise can result in injury if done incorrectly. So ask an experienced trainer if you don't know how to do a deadlift.
- Do crunches. This standard abdominal workout is a good exercise for developing core strength, which is important for your balance and safety when doing other body exercises. In addition, crunches have a wide variety of variations that allow you to choose which muscle groups to work on.
Step 4. Improve your balance with balance exercises
Because herkies require a high jump, striking demonstrative movements in the air, and a perfect landing, balance is important, not only to make your appearance look its best, but also to prevent injury. Everyone's sense of balance is different. If you feel unsteady after doing a herkie, improve your balance with the right exercises. Here are some exercises you can consider to improve balance:
- Stand on one leg. For a tougher challenge, do squats on one leg once your leg strength has increased!
- Do core exercises with an exercise ball.
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Close your eyes and bring your feet together as you do the bicep curl. This will force you to use your core muscles to maintain balance as you move the weights in your hands.
Make sure you maintain an upright and proper posture while doing this exercise, don't lean back. This poor posture will not only throw you off balance, but it can also result in injury
Tips
- Before doing all the moves in this article, you must stretch!!
- You should also sit in the herkie position, then try to reach your toes.
- Do a small stretch before doing a real stretch. your muscles need to be warmed up first!
- Always wear good quality clothing when you are doing any cheerleading activity.
- Make sure you don't try any tricks before you get the hang of them. You could be seriously injured.
- You have to drink water, otherwise you can get dehydrated. As soon as dehydration sets in, the muscles cramp and can tear.
Warning
- Don't drink too much water: you can get a stomach ache!
- Don't overstretch; You can get injured!
- Don't try to do herkies just because you want to, you have to master them first. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured!
