A cheerleader's motions are the backbone of her ability. It's great, and super fun, to be able to do amazing cheerleading jumps, twist and flip your way through tumbling passes and fly high during stunt tricks, but you have to have the technique too! Most moves in cheerleading are an extension of a basic move, so it is always good to learn through progression, starting with the basics. Mastering the basic cheer motions will help you hit the more advanced stunts like a pro, which will be important during routines and at cheerleading competitions. If you perform a move, but don't hit your motions right, the judges will likely take points away from your team. This is a general overview of some basic cheer motions with the focus on the position of the arms. You may perform them, or see them performed, slightly different. These motions can be used while a cheerleader is on the ground or when she is up in a stunt, so the position of the feet will vary from being shoulder width apart to being together, depending on when and how the motion is being used. T Extend your arms from your shoulders so that they are parallel with the ground. Keep your hands in fists with your thumbs facing out and your pinkies facing back. Half T Extend your arms from your shoulders so that they are parallel with the ground, like for a T, but bend both arms at the elbows and bring them in toward your shoulders so that your forearms are facing up. Keep your hands in fists, pulled tight into your shoulders and don't bring your arms forward. Your pinkies will be facing out and your thumbs will be facing your shoulders. Bow and Arrow One arm is extended in a T position, and one arm is in a Half T position. This motion can be done as a "right' or "left' motion. The arm that is in the T position determines which motion it is (when the right arm is in a T, it is a Right Bow and Arrow). Diagonal One arm is extended in a High V motion, and one arm is in a Low V motion. This motion can be done as a "right' or "left' motion. The arm that is in the High V position determines which motion it is (when the right arm is in a High V, it is a Right Diagonal). L Extend one arm into a Touchdown motion, and the other into a T motion. This motion can be done as a "right' or "left' motion. The arm that is in the T position determines which motion it is (when the right arm is in a T, it is a Right L). K Extend one arm into a High V motion, while the other arm holds a Low V position but is crossed over your body. This motion can be done as a "right' or "left' motion. The arm that is in the High V position determines which motion it is (when the right arm is in a High V, it is a Right K). Review the Basic Cheerleading Motions: Part 1 article for more moves and to get tips to you help you perfect your motions and strengthen your arms!