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Cheerleading equipment list with all 18 items: uniform, pom-poms, cheer shoes, hair bows in team colors, megaphones and practice mats.

Five belong to coaches, among them a sound system, tumbling mats and a video camera for reviewing routines, and six describe the gym, from a spring floor and tumbling tracks to mirrors and equipment storage. The table below lists all eighteen with the purpose of each one.

18items in total
7carried by the cheerleader
11supplied by gym and coach
Quick answers
What equipment do you need for cheerleading?
A uniform, pom-poms, cheer shoes, a hair bow in team colors and a water bottle. Mats, sound system and spring floor belong to the gym.
What do you need in a cheer bag?
Cheer shoes, the bow, spare hair ties, a water bottle and the uniform pieces for the day. Poms are usually carried loose so the streamers do not get crushed.
What is the speaker thing cheerleaders use?
A megaphone. Captains use it to call cheers from the sideline, while routines in the gym run off a sound system.
What is essential in a cheer gym?
A sprung practice floor, spring floor mats and a tumbling track, plus mirrors for form correction, a sound system and storage for the mats.
Cheerleading

Cheerleading Equipment at a Glance

Seven items are the cheerleader's own, five belong to the coach, and six are part of the gym. A newcomer buys shoes, a bow and a water bottle first, because the uniform is normally issued by the squad.

ItemWhat it doesWho supplies it
Uniformtop with skirt or pantsCarries the team colors, cut to allow jumps and stuntsPlayer
Pom-pomsMake the arm motions readable from the standsPlayer
Cheer shoesGrip the mat for stunts and still bend through a tumbling passPlayer
Hair ribbons or bowsmatching team colorsHold the ponytail and complete the squad lookPlayer
MegaphoneCarries the captain's call over crowd noisePlayer
Practice matsA landing surface for tumbling outside the gymPlayer
Water bottleRoutines run at full effort, drinking happens between themPlayer
Sound systemPlays the routine music at practiceCoach
First aid kitFalls from a stunt and ankle turns are the common cheer injuryCoach
Training aidstumbling mats, spring floorsBreak down skills at reduced impact before they go on the hard floorCoach
Video cameraRecords the routine so timing and spacing can be checked backCoach
Team banners and signsSideline props for the crowd and for the run-throughCoach
Practice gymFloor space with the ceiling height a basket toss needsFacility
Spring floor matsReturn energy on takeoff and take the load off ankles and kneesFacility
Tumbling tracksA long narrow strip for running passesFacility
MirrorsLet the squad correct arm angles without waiting for videoFacility
Equipment storageMats, poms and signs stacked off the floor between sessionsFacility
Performance sound systemPlays the mix at competitions and games, louder than practice gearFacility

Cheerleading Equipment For Cheerleaders

#1 Uniforms (tops and skirts or pants)

Uniforms are symbolic of team identity and spirit. They are designed to be flexible and comfortable, allowing for a full range of motion during stunts and routines, which is vital for cheerleaders to perform their best.

Danzcue V-Neck Shell Top

Sleeveless cheer uniform top
  • Fabric100 percent polyester
  • Cutsleeveless shell top with a straight hem
  • NecklineV-neck with tri-color woven trim
  • Trim1.2 inches wide
  • Pairingmatching skirt or shorts sold separately
  • Sizesgirls and women
A squad uniform is bought as two pieces, and the top is the half that carries the team colors. Polyester keeps its shape through a season of stunting and dries quickly between practices.

#2 Pom-Poms

Pom-Poms are iconic accessories that add visual appeal to cheer routines. Their bright colors and motion create a dynamic visual effect that enhances performances and rallies crowd enthusiasm.

Hooshing Cheer Pom Poms

One pair with baton handle
  • Contents2 poms, one pair
  • Lengthabout 14.2 inches overall
  • Handle2.7 inch plastic baton in the middle
  • Materialmetallic plastic streamers
  • Colorsblue and silver, other combinations available
The baton handle sits inside the streamers, so the hand disappears and the arm motion reads clean from the stands. Metallic plastic is light enough that a full routine does not tire the shoulders.

#3 Athletic Shoes (designed for cheerleading)

Specially designed cheerleading shoes are crucial for providing support, flexibility, and cushioning. They help protect against injuries and enhance a cheerleader's stability and performance during routines.

BAXINIER Cheerleading Shoes

Knit upper, stunt grips
  • Upperbreathable knit with a mesh tongue
  • Outsoleflexible rubber with a wave pattern
  • Supportpadded achilles collar and stunt-specific grips
  • Buildlightweight, made for indoor practice and competition
  • Sizeslittle kid and big kid
A cheer shoe is not a running shoe: the sole has to hold on a mat during a stunt and still bend through a tumbling pass. The stunt grips and the padded achilles collar are the two details that separate it from a plain gym sneaker.

#4 Hair Ribbons or Bows (matching team colors)

Hair Ribbons or Bows unify a team’s look and prevent hair from obstructing the face during routines. These accessories also promote team spirit and can be customized to match team colors.

OAOLEER Cheer Hair Bows

16 bows, one box
  • Contents16 bows in a clear box
  • Size8 inches across
  • Ribbon3 inch grosgrain
  • Holdelastic ponytail holder sewn to the back
  • Useoutfits a whole squad in one purchase
One bow per head in the same color is what makes a squad look like a squad, which is why these are sold by the box. The elastic holder goes around the ponytail instead of clipping in, so it stays put through a routine.

#5 Megaphones (for captains or specific cheers)

Megaphones amplify voices during cheers, helping lead the crowd and team in chants and aiding in communication across the field or court, pivotal for captains or cheerleaders in key positions.

Pyle 20W Megaphone

Voice and siren mode
  • Power20 watts
  • Rangeup to 1000 yards
  • Modesvoice amplification and siren alert
  • Batteries4 C cells, not included
  • Weight1.5 pounds
  • Extrasshoulder strap, folding handle, volume control
The captain calls the cheer through it so the crowd picks up the count from the sideline. The batteries are not in the box, which is the usual reason one is dead on game day.

#6 Mats (for practice)

Practice mats are essential for safety during rehearsals, providing a cushioned surface that reduces the impact of falls and helps prevent injuries while cheerleaders practice stunts and tumbling.

  • Size10 by 4 feet, 2 inches thick
  • Folded4 by 4 feet, 8 inches high
  • Surfacedouble sided vinyl, wipes clean
  • Weight15 pounds, built-in handles
  • Joininghook and loop edges connect several mats
Practice outside the gym still needs a landing surface, and a folding panel mat is the size that fits in a hallway or a car. The hook and loop edges let several squad members lay their mats into one longer strip.

#7 Water Bottle

Hydration is key for any athlete, including cheerleaders, to maintain energy levels and prevent heat exhaustion. A water bottle ensures that cheerleaders have access to water throughout practices and performances.

Equipment For Coaches and Teams

#1 Sound System (for music and routines)

A reliable sound system is essential for projecting music and voice across the practice area or during performances, allowing cheerleaders to synchronize their routines to the music.

#2 First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is a necessity for addressing minor injuries promptly during practice or competitions, ensuring the safety and well-being of all team members.

#3 Training Aids (tumbling mats, spring floors)

Training aids like tumbling mats and spring floors are instrumental in skill development, providing a safe and forgiving environment that encourages the practice of new and complex stunts.

#4 Video Camera (for routine review)

A video camera is a crucial tool for performance review, allowing coaches and teams to analyze routines and make improvements. Recording practices and competitions help identify areas for enhancement and celebrate successes.

#5 Team Banners and Signs

Banners and signs help in promoting team spirit and can be used during games or competitions to visually represent the team. They are useful for identification and adding to the atmosphere of the event.

Equipment For Facilities

#1 Practice Gym (with appropriate flooring)

A dedicated practice gym with appropriate flooring provides a controlled environment for safe practice, enabling cheerleaders to train effectively regardless of weather conditions.

#2 Spring Floor Mats

Spring floor mats are foundational for reducing the risk of injury during high-impact routines, providing extra bounce and cushioning that benefit both practice and competition settings.

#3 Tumbling Tracks

Tumbling tracks assist cheerleaders in developing tumbling skills safely, offering a long, padded runway that reduces stress on the body as they practice repetitive movements.

#4 Mirrors (for form correction)

Mirrors are valuable for instant visual feedback, allowing cheerleaders and coaches to monitor form and correct techniques in real-time, which is crucial for the precision required in cheer routines.

#5 Storage for Equipment

Having organized storage space for equipment aids in maintaining the condition of the gear and ensures that items are readily accessible when needed for practice or performances.

#6 Sound System for Performances

A sound system tailored for performances is integral in providing clear, powerful audio that can reach an entire stadium, critical for engaging and directing the audience during routines.

Cheerleading

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Cheerleading?

Uniforms, pom-poms, and a cheer mat are the equipment you need to play Cheerleading. This gear is essential for safety, performance, and team unity.

What is the most important equipment in Cheerleading?

A cheer mat is the most important equipment in Cheerleading for ensuring safety during practice and routines, particularly when performing stunts and tumbling.

What is a recommended list of Cheerleading equipment for beginners?

Here’s a recommended list of Cheerleading equipment for beginners: a quality cheer mat, comfortable sneakers or cheer shoes, pom-poms, a uniform, and a water bottle for hydration.

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