Glitter pom poms are a fantastic accessory that allows cheerleaders, dancers, and performers to add sparkle and flair to their routines. However, while they lend mesmerizing visual effects, they can also present unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a solid grip, especially during stunts, tosses, and challenging choreography. In this blog post, we'll explore some key strategies for ensuring a secure grip with glitter pom poms during your performances and routines.
Pick the Right Pom Pom Size
One of the most important factors in keeping a firm grip on glitter pom poms is selecting the correct size. Pom poms come in a range of diameters, from mini 2" poms to jumbo 10" poms. For stunts and rigorous routines, expert cheerleaders recommend using a mid-size pom, between 4-6" in diameter. This provides enough surface area to grasp while still being compact enough for optimal control. Alternatively, opt for mini 2-3" poms for individual fingers if doing hand tricks or manipulated finger twirling.
Avoid Overstuffed Glitter Pom Poms
While a voluminous, dense pom pom has visual appeal, overstuffed poms can make holding onto the stem tricky. Look for glitter pom poms with a medium density - not too loosely packed but not crammed to the brim. This allows you to squeeze and grasp the pom comfortably. Similarly, don't choose long-stemmed poms with lengthy handles, which can throw off balance and control. Opt for pom poms with stem lengths between 3.5 and 5 inches.
Wrap the Stem
Wrapping the stem with tape, cloth, or even just regular string or thread can boost grip. The friction and texture of the wrap provide noticeably more holding power. You can use essential white medical tape, colorful duct tape, cloth athletic tape, or self-adhesive bandage tape. For a decorative look, ribbons with texture or embroidery floss also wrap nicely. Change the wrap frequently when it starts wearing down.
Use Grip Enhancing Aids
If you need even more grip support, look into gymnastics grips, gloves, and other grip accessories. Gymnastics grips are leather strips with holes for fingers that create friction. Weight-lifting gloves with rubberized palms also help grab slick pom pom stems. There are also specialized grip tape-style products to wrap around pom stems for cheer stunts. These aids provide both tactile grip and wrist support for even the most rigorous pom-pom moves.
Condition Your Hands
Just like dancers condition their feet, conditioning your hands and forearms can optimize pom pom grip strength. Activities like squeezing stress balls, clay, putty, or grippers build up essential grip muscles. You can also incorporate targeted exercises: wrist curls and extensions with light weights, finger and thumb resistance exercises, and forearm pronation/supination rotations. Massaging hands pre-performance boosts blood flow.
Use Proper Gripping Technique
How you hold glitter pom poms can reduce fumbles. Gripping too high up the stem reduces control. Hold the pom further down, about one-third down the stem, for best leverage. Spread fingers apart around the pom rather than bunching together for broader stability. Keep wrists straight but not rigid. If needed, use your less dominant hand to reinforce by bracing or clasping on top of your dominant gripping hand.
Practice Makes Perfect
One of the best ways to get comfortable with a handheld pom grip is simply practicing stunts and tricks repeatedly. The more you drill challenging pom pom transitions, the more grip strength and muscle memory you'll develop. Start slow and gradually increase toss height, spins, leaps, or other difficulty as grip confidence improves. Pay attention to points in routines where poms tend to slip and polish those trouble spots. It's also helpful to practice routines using plain, non-glitter poms first to build baseline competency before adding glitter poms.
Inspect and Replace Glitter Poms
Even with perfect technique, intensive use of glitter pom poms for cheer, dance, and baton will degrade the poms over time. Inspect your poms and watch for loosening of the stem wrap, bald spots, fraying, or damage. Replace poms at the first signs of wear - damaged poms will be prone to slipping. Having fresh poms ensures the best grip and lets you dazzle with a flawless, shining glitter effect.
Conclusion
Glitter pom poms deliver striking visual impact to cheer and dance performances. However, their sparkly stems can make holding onto poms a slippery challenge during stunts and complex routines. Focus on choosing the right pom size, using grip aids, hand conditioning, proper technique, and frequent replacement to keep poms securely in hand. With some practice and these tips, you can perform showstopping routines with glitter pom poms that will make audiences dazzle.
At Getpoms, we offer top-quality and affordable glitter pom poms for teams and individuals. Browse our selection of poms in a vast range of sizes, styles, and colors. We also carry grip aids, replacement stems, and pom pom care supplies.
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