You may have heard the word “combine” being used in the past.
At first, this term might sound more like something you would hear in football or basketball.
In those sports, a combine is an event where athletes come together to show off their skills, get measured, and sometimes get chosen for teams.
Cheerleading has adopted a similar idea, and a cheer “combine” is now becoming an exciting event for athletes, coaches, and programs.
A cheer combine is a showcase event where cheerleaders of specific ages and skill levels can demonstrate what they can do.
Instead of trying out for just one gym or one team, athletes attend the combine to display their abilities in front of many different gyms, colleges, or recruiters all at once. This makes it a very efficient and valuable event for both the athletes and the people running the various cheer programs.
At a cheer combine, athletes usually perform skills in several categories.
For example, they might be asked to show their tumbling, such as standing back handsprings, tucks, layouts, or their “favorite pass”.
They may also perform jumps like toe touches, hurdlers, or pikes.
Stunting is often included, too, with flyers showing body positions like heel stretches, scales, or scorpions, and bases and back spots showing their strength, timing, and technique.
Some combines even include a short dance or motion sequence to highlight sharpness, rhythm, and overall performance style.
One of the main purposes of a cheer combine is to help athletes get noticed.
For younger cheerleaders, this might mean being recognized by local gyms that are forming new teams.
For high school athletes, it can mean catching the eye of college cheer coaches who are scouting for future team members.
The combine creates an opportunity for exposure that goes far beyond a normal team tryout. Instead of being limited to one gym or school’s coaches, athletes have the chance to show their talents to a much wider audience.
Another benefit of a cheer combine is that it allows athletes to see where they stand compared to others their age or skill level.
Since many cheerleaders perform side by side, it becomes easier to see strengths and areas for improvement. This can motivate athletes to train harder or give them confidence in what they already do well.
Cheer combines are also educational.
Many events include workshops, clinics, or question-and-answer sessions with experienced coaches and judges.
Athletes might learn about proper technique, injury prevention, conditioning, and even how to market themselves for future cheer opportunities.
Sometimes, vendors and sponsors are present as well, giving athletes a chance to learn about uniforms, equipment, and other products connected to the cheer world.
For parents, cheer combines provide helpful insight, too.
Instead of visiting multiple gyms or researching different programs or schools on their own, they can meet many coaches and organizations all in one place. They can ask questions, see how their child compares with other athletes, and get a sense of where their child might fit best in the cheer community.
A cheer combine is part showcase, part tryout, and part learning opportunity. It gives athletes the stage to shine while also connecting them with possible future teams, gyms, or colleges. Just like in other sports, the event is designed to open doors and create opportunities for cheerleaders to grow in their athletic journeys.
As cheerleading continues to grow, cheer combines are becoming more popular and more professional. They represent the sport’s push toward giving athletes recognition, structure, and chances for advancement.
Whether you are an athlete, a parent, or a coach, attending a cheer combine can be an exciting step toward the future.
