At first glance, cheer and track & field may not seem to have much in common. While cheer is a team sport, track and field lends itself to more individual events with an overall team score. Cheer tends to be seen as a more glamorous sport while track is gritty. If you take a closer look at the two sports, however, the skills that both sports require for success greatly overlap. 

From linear speed to power, explosiveness, quick reaction time, strength, coordination, and more, participating in track can be a huge benefit to cheer athletes. This article will dive into the skills that both sports develop. 

Linear Speed 

Cheer athletes require enhanced linear speed to improve their overall performance, particularly in executing tumbling passes and stunts with higher energy and precision. Track and field training specifically aids in developing linear speed through training that focuses on quick acceleration, efficient mechanics, and explosive power. This cross-training not only enhances an athlete’s agility and performance in cheerleading but also contributes to better form, reduced injury risk, and increased stamina, making track a complementary discipline for cheer athletes aiming for peak performance. 

Power and Explosiveness 

Cheerleaders need to develop power and explosiveness to perform jumps, stunts, and tumbling routines with greater height and speed, enhancing the visual impact and competitiveness of their performances. Track and field training, particularly through sprinting and jumping events, systematically builds these attributes by improving muscle strength, fast-twitch fiber activation, and coordination. This specialized training ensures cheer athletes achieve peak performance levels, executing routines with increased power and precision. 

Self-Confidence 

Participating in multiple sports can boost self-confidence by providing diverse experiences that challenge and develop various skills, leading to a well-rounded athlete. Facing and overcoming challenges in different sports contexts enhances an athlete's belief in their capabilities, encourages adaptability, and fosters a sense of achievement. The varied social interactions and team settings also contribute to improved self-confidence, as athletes learn to communicate and succeed in different team dynamics and environments. While cheer is mainly a team sport, track lends itself to more individual events. This different dynamic can be uncomfortable at first but challenges cheer athletes to believe in themselves and their individual abilities. 

Injury Prevention 

Participating in both cheer and track can help prevent injuries by promoting a comprehensive physical development. Track and field activities enhance endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility, which are crucial for the demands of cheerleading. This cross-training approach ensures that athletes develop a balanced musculature, reducing the risk of overuse injuries common in sports specialization.  Additionally, the varied movements and skills practiced across both cheer and track & field can improve body awareness and coordination, further safeguarding against injury by enhancing the body's ability to manage different physical stresses. 

Final Thoughts 

Participating in sports other than cheer can also give cheer athletes the mental break they need from cheer following a demanding season while not only maintaining but improving on the skills they need to continue to improve in the world of cheer. Track and field in particular is a sport that can have a huge impact on cheer performance during the cheer offseason. 



If you are interested in learning more or participating in track this season, we would love to tell you more about the BlackWatch Track & Field team in Birmingham, Alabama. Our program is designed to welcome and push athletes of all skill levels to learn and grow with every practice and every competition - not just as an athlete but as a human being. We are proud to grow as a team every single year. Ready to get started with our incredible program and reach your athletic goals? Email Coach KD Howard with any questions!