When it comes to cheerleading, the right props can transform a good routine into something truly unforgettable. One of the most iconic and versatile tools in a cheerleader's kit is the pom pom. Bright, bold, and endlessly expressive, cheer poms bring extra energy, color, and excitement to any cheer routine. But beyond shaking them in the air, there are so many creative ways to use them that can help a squad stand out from the competition or rally a crowd like never before.
This guide dives into a wide variety of fun, effective, and fresh ideas for using cheer poms in routines and cheers. Whether you're new to cheerleading or a seasoned performer looking to mix things up, these ideas can inspire new moves, formations, and crowd-pleasers you might not have tried yet.
Why Cheer Poms Matter in Cheerleading
Before we move on to the creative part, it's worth recognizing what makes cheer poms so essential. Sure, they look great under stadium lights, but their purpose runs deeper than aesthetics.
Cheer poms:
Enhance motion and make movements visible from a distance.
Help emphasize beats in music or chants.
Build crowd energy by adding visual excitement.
Encourage squad unity with synchronized movement.
Reflect team colors and spirit.
With so much going for them, it makes sense to maximize their impact. Let's explore how you can use them in fun, standout ways.
Classic Uses of Cheer Poms (That Still Work!)
Let's start with the tried-and-true moves. These are classics for a reason — and when done well, they're as effective today as ever.
1. Sharp, Synchronized Arm Motions
Whether it's a high-V, low-V, T, or broken T, sharp arm movements combined with cheer poms magnify visual effects. The added color and texture turn basic motions into eye-catching highlights.
2. Jump Accents
Adding a pom shake or overhead burst while performing jumps like toe touches, herkies, or hurdler jumps makes them pop. It also creates a trail of movement that looks amazing in mid-air.
3. Sideline Cheers and Chants
During sports games, poms are perfect for leading the Crowd. Quick flicks, overhead shakes, or side sweeps timed with chants help keep the audience engaged.
4. Kick Lines
A cheerleader kick line paired with cheer poms waving in sync adds a show-stopping element to halftime routines or pep rally performances.
Fun and Fresh Ways to Use Cheer Poms in Routines
Now for the fun part—unique and playful ways to incorporate cheer poms into routines that go beyond the basics. Try adding these ideas to your next practice or competition routine.
1. Create Pom Formations
Instead of focusing only on individual moves, use cheer poms to create collective shapes and images on the field or court.
Ideas:
Form letters spelling out the school's name.
Make a heart or star shape during a halftime performance.
Form a wave of color by having each row raise its poms in sequence.
2. Use Poms for Transitions
Transitions between stunts, jumps, and dance moves can often feel awkward. Use pom spins, twirls, or pass-offs to make these moments seamless and visually interesting.
3. Build Pom Walls or Tunnels
For entrances or big routine finishes, line up cheerleaders with raised cheer poms to create a tunnel effect. This works great for team run-ons or spotlight moments.
4. Layer in Pom Tosses
Tossing poms into the air at key beats in a routine adds dynamic energy. Coordinate with music to have everyone throw and catch poms simultaneously for a crowd-pleasing moment.
Tip: Use lightweight, easy-to-grip poms for safety and ease of catching.
Integrating Cheer Poms into Stunt Sequences
Stunts are already one of the most exciting parts of cheerleading. Adding cheer poms can take them to another level.
1. Flyers Holding Poms
When your flyers hit their extensions, lib stunts, or arabesques, having them hold cheer poms adds a burst of color high above the formation.
2. Pom Placement in Pyramid Structures
Position bases and spotters with poms held strategically to frame flyers or create visual borders around pyramids.
3. Stunt Dismount Pom Waves
When flyers dismount, squad members on the ground can wave their poms in a ripple or wave formation, emphasizing the movement.
Dance and Pom Hybrid Routines
Modern cheer often overlaps with dance, especially in competitions. Creating routines that combine pom motion techniques with dance choreography results in powerful, upbeat performances.
1. Pom Ripples
Design sequences where each cheerleader moves their cheer poms in a ripple effect, either by section, row, or individual timing.
2. Pom Floor Work
Use poms while kneeling, rolling, or sitting on the floor for dynamic level changes. Movements like pom drag across the floor, overhead sweeps, or quick directional changes keep the energy high.
3. Pom Partner Work
Pair up cheerleaders to mirror or complement each other's pom moves. Think of fast-paced exchanges, symmetrical spins, or passing poms back and forth during a choreographed section.
Using Cheer Poms to Connect with the Crowd
Cheerleading isn't just about performance; it's about engagement. Smart use of cheer poms can bridge the gap between the squad and spectators.
1. Color Coded Cheers
Switch poms mid-game to match chants — for example:
Red poms for defense.
White poms for the offense.
School-color poms for timeouts or touchdowns.
2. Crowd Participation Pom Waves
Encourage sections of the stands to participate in pom waves, starting with cheerleaders and moving through the fans. This works especially well at pep rallies.
3. Throw or Toss Poms to the Crowd
At special moments like game-winning touchdowns or big event finales, tossing inexpensive cheer poms to the audience makes them feel part of the action.
Seasonal and Themed Pom Routines
Tailoring cheer poms routines to holidays or special events keeps performances fresh and memorable.
1. Holiday-Themed Poms
Use glittery silver, red, or green poms for holiday games and pep rallies. Valentine's Day performances look amazing, with pink and red poms in heart-shaped formations.
2. Spirit Week Customization
Coordinate pom colors and routines to match daily Spirit Week themes, such as Throwback Day, Neon Day, or School Pride Day.
3. Competition Theme Routines
If your competition routine has a specific theme, pick cheer poms that match. A '70s theme? Go metallic gold. Tropical theme? Use bright neon poms and wave motions like ocean swells.
Tips for Picking the Right Cheer Poms
Using cheer poms creatively is only possible if you have the right ones for the job. Here's what to keep in mind:
1. Size Matters
Small poms (4" -6" ): Best for sideline cheers and stunts.
Medium poms (6" -8" ): Versatile for both routines and chants.
Large poms (8" +): Great for halftime shows and crowd performances.
2. Material Types
Plastic poms: Durable, colorful, and budget-friendly.
Metallic poms: Sparkle under lights, perfect for competitions.
Mixed poms: Combine both for texture and shine.
3. Handle Styles
Choose between baton handles, dowel handles, or hidden string grips depending on routine style and personal preference.
Creative Pom Storage and Travel Hacks
Keeping cheer poms in great shape between practices and events is essential.
Use mesh laundry bags: Keeps them aired out and tangle-free.
Label each squad member's poms: Avoid mix-ups during events.
Hang poms by handles: Prevents crimping and keeps the strands full.
Practice Games with Cheer Poms
Practice doesn't have to be all serious. Try these team-building games using cheer poms:
1. Pom Relay Race
Teams race while passing poms back and forth using only elbows, knees, or heads. Great for laughs and coordination.
2. Pom Toss Challenge
See who can toss and catch a pom the highest without dropping it. Introduce tricks like claps or spins before the catch.
3. Follow the Pom Leader
One cheerleader leads a quick freestyle routine using cheer poms, and the rest of the squad copies the moves.
Final Thoughts
Cheerleading thrives on energy, color, and connection — and cheer poms deliver all three. From synchronized classics to bold new formations, pom poms offer endless opportunities to refresh routines and engage crowds. Whether you're shaking them at a Friday night football game or dazzling judges at a national competition, the right moves with the right poms can make a performance unforgettable.
That’s where GetPoms comes in — your go-to source for high-quality, vibrant cheer poms that bring every routine to life. So don't be afraid to experiment. Add a splash of color where it's least expected, and have fun with it.
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