The Do’s and Don’ts of Storing a Cheerleading Megaphone

 

A cheerleading megaphone is more than just a simple piece of equipment. It is an essential tool that helps amplify spirit, boost crowd engagement, and strengthen every performance. Proper care and storage play an important role in keeping your megaphone looking great and sounding clear throughout the season.

If megaphones are stored incorrectly, they can easily become scratched, warped, cracked, or lose sound quality. This guide covers the most important do’s and don’ts to help you protect your cheerleading megaphone and extend its lifespan.

Why Proper Megaphone Storage Matters

Cheerleading megaphones are often used outdoors, carried between events, and handled frequently during practices. Over time, exposure to heat, moisture, dust, and impact can affect their durability and performance.

Storing your megaphone correctly helps you:

• Maintain sound clarity
• Protect the surface from scratches and dents
• Prevent warping and fading
• Extend the overall lifespan of the gear
• Keep your cheer squad looking organized and professional

Following a few simple storage habits can make a big difference.

The Do’s of Storing a Cheerleading Megaphone

1. Do Keep the Megaphone in a Cool and Dry Space

High temperatures and humidity can damage the material of your megaphone. Store it in a cool, dry room to prevent warping or discoloration.

2. Do Use a Storage Bag or Cover

A protective cover helps shield the megaphone from dust, scratches, and accidental bumps. Many cheer teams use padded cases or fabric sleeves for added protection.

3. Do Clean the Megaphone Before Storing

Wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove dirt, fingerprints, and sweat. For tough spots, use a gentle cleaning solution. A clean megaphone stays in better condition for longer periods.

4. Do Store It Upright

Placing the megaphone upright prevents pressure on the edges and helps avoid bending or misshaping. Upright storage also saves space in lockers or equipment rooms.

5. Do Keep It Away From Direct Sunlight

Sun exposure can fade printed lettering, logos, and colors. It can also weaken the material. Store your megaphone in a shaded area to maintain its appearance.

6. Do Label Storage Space for Better Organization

If your team owns multiple megaphones, assign designated storage spots. This helps prevent crowding, damage, and confusion during game days.

The Don’ts of Storing a Cheerleading Megaphone

1. Don’t Leave Your Megaphone in a Car

Cars heat up quickly, even on mild days. Excessive heat can warp plastic, melt adhesives, and compromise the overall structure. Avoid leaving megaphones in vehicles after practice or events.

2. Don’t Stack Heavy Items on Top of It

Megaphones are lightweight but not built to handle pressure. Stacking books, bags, or boxes on top can dent or crack them. Always store them in an area where nothing rests on top.

3. Don’t Store It While Wet

If your megaphone gets caught in the rain or used during a humid outdoor event, let it dry fully before storing. Lingering moisture can cause odor, mold, or material weakening.

4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals for Cleaning

Strong cleaners can damage the surface, fade colors, or peel off custom designs. Stick to gentle soap and water or mild cleaning sprays recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Don’t Throw It Into a Locker or Equipment Bin

Rough handling can cause chips, cracks, or dents. Place it gently in its designated storage space to maintain its quality.

6. Don’t Store It Near Chemicals or Paint Supplies

Megaphones can absorb strong odors or become stained by fumes or spills. Keep them far away from maintenance closets or art supplies.

Additional Tips for Long-Term Megaphone Care

1. Regularly Inspect for Damage

Look for cracks, fading, loose edges, or scuff marks. Early repairs can prevent bigger problems later.

2. Use Protective Tape on the Rim

The bottom rim of the megaphone often hits the ground during cheers. Applying a thin protective strip can prevent scratches and wear.

3. Keep Personalized Designs Safe

If your megaphone has custom lettering or decals, avoid contact with rough surfaces that may peel off the artwork.

4. Encourage Team Members to Handle With Care

Remind cheerleaders that megaphones are part of the team’s gear and should be treated responsibly during storage and transport.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage plays a huge role in the performance and lifespan of a cheerleading megaphone. By following the right practices and avoiding the most common mistakes, your megaphone will stay in great condition and continue to deliver a loud, clear spirit at every event.

Whether your squad uses custom printed megaphones or classic solid color designs, protecting the gear ensures your team always looks polished and game day ready.

How to Match Your Pom Poms to Your Team Uniforms

 

Cheerleading is all about energy, coordination, and spirit. From sharp motions to bright smiles, every detail counts, especially your look. One of the easiest ways to create a professional and unified appearance is by matching your cheer pom poms to your team uniforms. The right color and style of pom poms can enhance your team’s presence, boost school pride, and make your performance stand out.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose pom poms that perfectly complement your uniforms while keeping your team’s unique personality front and center.

Why Matching Pom Poms Matters

Pom poms are more than just props. They’re an extension of your team’s image. Matching your pom poms to your uniforms helps create visual harmony and strengthens your overall presentation. When your colors align, the team looks organized, spirited, and ready to perform.

Uniform coordination also improves crowd recognition. Fans instantly identify your team colors, helping them connect emotionally with your cheers and chants.

Step 1: Choose Colors That Reflect Team Spirit

Go for School Colors

The most popular way to match pom poms is by using your official school or team colors. This ensures consistency and reinforces brand identity. For example, if your uniforms are blue and gold, your pom poms should include both shades to highlight the same vibrant energy.

Add Accent Colors

If your uniforms already feature multiple shades, use pom poms to emphasize accent colors. Metallic or glitter strands can bring a touch of sparkle without overpowering your main colors.

Use Two-Color or Three-Color Blends

Custom pom poms can combine two or three team colors for a dynamic look. Blended designs create visual movement and help your routines shine under lights.

Step 2: Consider Your Uniform Design

Solid Color Uniforms

If your uniforms are mostly one color, try contrasting pom poms for balance. For example, red uniforms look great with white or silver pom poms, while black uniforms pop with metallic gold or neon accents.

Patterned or Multi-Color Uniforms

For more complex designs, use pom poms that include your main color, but keep the mix simple. Too many shades can look cluttered during routines.

Seasonal or Special Event Uniforms

Some teams have themed uniforms for homecoming, holidays, or competitions. Use matching or glitter pom poms that align with the event to add festive flair.

Step 3: Pick the Right Material

Metallic Pom Poms

Metallic pom poms are shiny, durable, and perfect for outdoor performances. They reflect light beautifully, especially under stadium lights.

Glitter Pom Poms

Glitter pom poms are best for indoor events and competitions. They shimmer under stage lighting and photograph extremely well.

Vinyl or Plastic Pom Poms

Vinyl poms offer classic cheer style and are ideal for youth or practice teams. They’re lightweight and come in a wide variety of colors.

Choosing the right material ensures your pom poms look consistent with your uniforms and perform well in your environment.

Step 4: Match Pom Pom Handles to Your Routine

The handle style you choose can also affect coordination and comfort:

• Baton handles: Great for precise control and sharp movements.
• Dowel handles: Lightweight and ideal for younger cheerleaders.
• Show handles: Provide a clean look for performance routines.

Uniform colors can even be carried into handle designs, with colored grips or custom-printed options for an extra personalized touch.

Step 5: Align with Your Team’s Personality

Every cheer squad has its own personality; some teams are bold and high-energy, while others focus on elegance and technique. Use your pom poms to express that identity.

• High-energy teams: Choose bright or metallic poms that catch light and move dynamically.
• Classic teams: Stick with traditional school colors and simple finishes.
• Youth cheerleaders: Go for fun, vibrant, lightweight pom poms that are easy to handle.

When your pom poms match your uniforms and your team’s spirit, the overall look feels intentional and inspiring.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Customization

Many suppliers offer custom cheer pom poms so you can tailor them to your exact needs. Customization options include:

• Color blends (two-color or tri-color combinations)
• Glitter, metallic, or holographic finishes
• Handle style and color
• Custom logo printing

Custom pom poms help your team stand out and make your uniforms look professionally designed from head to toe.

Step 7: Test Your Look Before Finalizing

Before placing a bulk order, test a few color combinations under real performance lighting. Stadium lights, gym spotlights, or outdoor sunlight can change how colors appear. Take a few photos or short videos to see which combinations complement your uniforms best.

Bonus Tip: Keep Everything Clean and Coordinated

After every performance, store your pom poms carefully and keep them fluffed. Clean, well-maintained gear always looks more professional, which helps your uniforms and accessories shine together.

Final Thoughts

Matching your cheer pom poms to your team uniforms is one of the easiest ways to elevate your team’s image. When colors, materials, and styles work together, they enhance both performance and presentation.

Whether you choose glitter, metallic, or vinyl pom poms, aim for a cohesive look that captures your school spirit and showcases your team’s personality. A coordinated appearance doesn’t just look good; it builds pride, unity, and excitement every time your squad takes the floor.

Pom Pom Techniques for New Cheerleaders: Training Tips That Work

Starting as a new cheerleader can feel both exciting and overwhelming. From learning chants to mastering stunts, there’s a lot to take in. One of the first and most important skills every beginner should focus on is learning how to use cheer poms properly. These bright, colorful spirit tools are more than just accessories - they are essential for creating energy, enhancing choreography, and engaging the crowd.

In this guide, we’ll explore beginner-friendly pom pom techniques and training tips that coaches can use to help new cheerleaders build confidence and develop strong fundamentals.

Why Pom Poms Matter for Beginners

Before jumping into techniques, it’s important to understand why pom poms are so crucial in cheerleading:

• Visual Impact: Pom poms make basic motions appear sharper and more dynamic.
• Crowd Engagement: Shaking poms during chants encourages fans to join in the excitement and get involved.
• Team Unity: When used correctly, pom poms help squads look polished and coordinated.
• Confidence Builder: Mastering pom pom basics gives new cheerleaders a sense of accomplishment early on.

Essential Pom Pom Techniques for New Cheerleaders

1. Proper Grip

Holding pom poms the right way is the foundation of every technique. New cheerleaders should:

• Wrap their fingers securely around the handle.
• Avoid letting the streamers cover their faces or uniforms.
• Keep wrists firm to maintain clean lines.

2. Sharp Arm Motions

Pom poms emphasize every motion. Beginners should practice:

• High V: Arms extended in a “V” above the head.
• Low V: Arms lowered in a “V” shape at the sides.
• T Motion: Arms straight out at shoulder height.
• Punches: One arm extended upward while the other stays at the hip.

Repetition builds muscle memory and ensures consistency across the team.

3. Pom Shakes

Cheerleaders should practice shaking pom-poms with energy while maintaining controlled movements. Coaches can teach:

• Side-to-Side Shakes to pump up the crowd.
• Overhead Shakes for big moments in routines.
• Downward Shakes to transition between motions.

4. Transitions and Levels

Pom pom choreography often requires quick transitions. Beginners should learn to:

• Switch smoothly from high to low motions.
• Vary levels (high, middle, low) to add visual interest.
• Avoid dropping or dragging pom poms during transitions.

5. Synchronization

Pom pom motions are most effective when the team is in sync. New cheerleaders should practice in counts (5-6-7-8) to stay in rhythm with both the music and their teammates.

6. Crowd Interaction

Teaching beginners how to aim pom-pom motions toward the crowd helps build confidence. For example, shaking pom poms forward during chants makes the audience feel included and more likely to cheer back.

Training Tips for Coaches and New Cheerleaders

• Start with Basics: Focus on grip, sharp motions, and timing before adding complex choreography.
• Practice with Counts: Break routines into 8-count sections so beginners can follow along.
• Use Mirrors: Practicing in front of mirrors helps new cheerleaders correct posture and alignment.
• Record Practices: Watching recordings allows beginners to see how their motions appear with pom-poms.
• Build Endurance: Holding pom-poms can quickly tire your arms. Encourage conditioning exercises to build strength.
• Encourage Confidence: Remind cheerleaders that energy and enthusiasm are just as important as perfect technique.

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Floppy Arms: Weak motions reduce the impact of pom choreography.
• Poor Grip: Holding pom poms incorrectly can make routines look messy.
• Out-of-Sync Motions: Failing to count with teammates causes the performance to lose its polished look.
• Overusing Shakes: Excessive shaking can disrupt the routine. Balance is key.

Benefits of Strong Pom Pom Technique

When new cheerleaders master pom pom basics, they enjoy several advantages:

• Polished Routines: Coordinated pom motions make the team look professional.
• Stronger Team Identity: Uniform pom techniques show pride and unity.
• Improved Crowd Energy: Cheerleaders with sharp, confident motions motivate fans to cheer louder.
• Foundation for Growth: Once beginners master the basics of pom, they can advance to more complex choreography.

Final Thoughts

For new cheerleaders, learning pom pom techniques is one of the best starting points in their journey. A proper grip, sharp motions, and synchronized routines create performances that excite fans and foster school pride. With the right training tips and consistent practice, beginners can quickly transform into confident performers who enhance the spirit of every game and rally.

Whether you are a coach training a new squad or a beginner cheerleader learning the ropes, mastering pom pom basics is the first step toward cheerleading success.

Why Pom Poms Are a Must-Have for Pep Rallies & Parades

 

When it comes to energizing a crowd, few accessories make as much of an impact as cheer pom poms. Whether it’s a pep rally in the school gym or a parade marching through downtown, pom poms bring excitement, energy, and spirit to every performance. But why exactly are pom poms such a must-have for these events? Let’s break down their benefits and how they elevate both pep rallies and parades.

The Role of Pom Poms in Pep Rallies

Pep rallies are all about building excitement and boosting school spirit. Pom poms are the perfect tool for cheerleaders to lead chants, highlight choreography, and get the crowd involved.

Benefits of Pom Poms in Pep Rallies:

• Visual Impact – Bright colors and fluffy textures draw attention, making every motion more powerful.
• Unity and Spirit – Pom poms show off school colors and unify the squad’s look.
• Engagement – They create a rhythm that keeps students and fans cheering along.
• Energy Amplifier – Even simple arm motions look more dynamic when paired with pom poms.
  
  

At pep rallies, pom poms transform cheers from ordinary to unforgettable.

Why Pom Poms Shine in Parades

Parades demand high energy and eye-catching visuals. Marching squads and cheer teams use pom poms to stand out in a sea of performers.

Benefits of Pom Poms in Parades:

• Visibility – Metallic or glitter pom poms sparkle in the sun, making squads visible from a distance.
• Crowd Connection – Cheerleaders waving pom poms can easily interact with parade audiences.
• Performance Enhancement – Coordinated routines with pom poms create synchronized, high-impact visuals.
• Festive Atmosphere – Nothing says celebration like a parade filled with colorful pom poms.
  
  

Pom poms ensure the team remains the center of attention as the parade moves through town.

Choosing the Right Pom Poms for Events

Not all pom poms are the same. Choosing the right type can make your pep rally or parade performance even more impressive.

1. Plastic Pom Poms

Lightweight, durable, and available in many colors, great for youth cheer squads and all-day parades.

2. Metallic Pom Poms

Sparkling and reflective, ideal for outdoor parades or performances under bright lights.

3. Glitter Pom Poms

Glitter pom pom adds an extra layer of shine and excitement, perfect for high-energy performances.

4. Custom Pom Poms

Show off your school or team pride with pom-poms designed in your official colors.

How Pom Poms Boost Team Spirit

Pom-poms are more than just cheer gear; they are a symbol of spirit, enthusiasm, and pride. When cheerleaders wave pom poms, they send a powerful visual message that inspires the crowd to participate. They bring together performers and fans in a shared experience of energy and excitement.

At pep rallies, pom poms help motivate athletes before big games. In parades, they showcase school pride to the broader community. In both cases, pom poms create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Pom poms are more than accessories; they are a must-have for pep rallies and parades. They amplify energy, boost school spirit, and make performances more engaging and memorable. From plastic to metallic to glitter, the right pom-poms ensure that every cheer routine or parade march shines brightly.

If your team is preparing for an upcoming event, ensure you’re equipped with high-quality pom-poms that reflect your spirit and style.

FAQs

1. Why are pom poms important for pep rallies?

Pom-poms help cheerleaders amplify their energy, engage the crowd, and showcase school spirit. Their bright colors and movement make every cheer more impactful.

2. What type of pom poms are best for parades?

Metallic or glitter pom-poms are ideal for parades, as they catch sunlight and shine brightly, making performers more visible to large crowds.

3. Are plastic pom poms good for youth cheerleaders?

Yes. Plastic pom poms are lightweight, affordable, and easy for younger cheerleaders to handle, making them perfect for pep rallies and parades with youth squads.

4. Can pom poms be customized with school colors?

Absolutely. Teams can order pom poms in custom colors to match their school or organization, which adds pride and unity to pep rallies and parades.

5. How many pom poms does each cheerleader need?

Most cheerleaders use one pair (two pom poms) for routines. However, some squads keep extra pom poms on hand for replacements during busy event seasons.

6. Do metallic pom poms last as long as plastic ones?

Metallic pom-poms can show wear more quickly due to their reflective strands, but they deliver a stronger visual impact. For frequent use, many teams order a mix of plastic and metallic poms.

7. Where can I buy cheer pom poms for pep rallies and parades?

You can shop for high-quality cheer poms in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials at GetPoms.com.