The term
“HIT ZERO”
is one of the most exciting things an All Star cheer team can achieve. It means that the team performed their entire routine without making any mistakes that resulted in a deduction. A deduction is a penalty given when an athlete or team makes an error during
their performance. These errors can include falls, bobbles, tumbling mistakes, or other rule violations.

When a team
HITS “ZERO”,
it means they completed their routine with no major mistakes. Judges check for errors in categories like stunts, tumbling, jumps, pyramids, and dance. If no deductions are given, the team earns a
“HIT ZERO”
status.

All Star Cheer is a highly competitive
sport where teams work for months to perfect their routine. A clean, mistake-free performance is what every team hopes for. While hitting zero does not automatically mean a team will win (or even guarantee a higher placement for that matter), it significantly
helps their chances of getting a higher score.

There are many reasons why hitting
zero is so important:

Higher Scores
– A routine with no deductions gets more points. Even if a team has amazing skills, deductions can lower their final score.

Team Pride
– Athletes feel proud knowing they performed their best and didn’t make any major mistakes.

Coach Satisfaction
– Coaches work hard to prepare their teams, and hitting zero proves their training paid off.

Better Placement
– The fewer mistakes a team makes, the better their chances of placing higher in their division.

What Can Cause Deductions?

Cheerleading judges carefully watch
routines and mark deductions when something goes wrong. Two of the most common mistakes are:

Stunt Falls
– If a flyer (the person lifted in stunts) falls to the ground, it results in a large deduction. Even a small bobble can cost points.

Tumbling Mistakes
– Touching the ground with hands or knees (‘Tapping Out’) during a tumbling pass, results in deductions.

How Do Teams Better Ensure They “HIT ZERO”?

To HIT ZERO, cheerleaders must practice
constantly and focus on their technique. Coaches and athletes work together to make sure every stunt, tumbling pass, and motion is perfect. Here are some ways teams increase their chances of hitting zero:

Perfecting Stunts
– Flyers and bases must work together to stay stable and avoid falls. Strength and teamwork are key.

Clean Tumbling
– Athletes practice their tumbling skills to make sure they land safely and don’t touch the floor.

Sharp Motions
– Teams focus on hitting their motions and jumps at the same time to avoid synchronization errors.

Conditioning
– Cheerleaders build their strength and endurance, so they don’t get tired and make mistakes.

Running Full-Out Routines
– Teams perform their routine full-out multiple times in practice to build confidence and stamina.

How Do Teams Celebrate Hitting Zero?

When a team hits zero, they usually
find out after their performance when the coaches check the official scoresheet. If no deductions are listed, the team has HIT ZERO! Many competitions even give
“HIT ZERO”
pins as awards.

Some teams celebrate by taking a group
picture with a “HIT ZERO” sign, while others jump and scream with excitement. Social media is also full of posts from teams proudly announcing they HIT ZERO at their competition.

Does Hitting Zero Mean a Team Wins?

Not even close. While hitting zero
is a huge accomplishment, it does not guarantee first place. Cheer comps are judged on more than just deductions. Difficulty, creativity, execution, and overall performance also play a role in scoring.

A team that hits zero might still
very well lose to another team with a more difficult and well-executed routine. However, hitting zero definitely helps a team’s chances of scoring high and placing well.

In All Star Cheer, to
“HIT ZERO”
is one of the biggest goals for any team. It means they performed their routine without any major mistakes or deductions. While hitting zero doesn’t guarantee a win, it gives teams a better shot at success. More than anything, it proves that all the hard work,
practice, and dedication paid off. For cheerleaders, hitting zero is a moment of pride, excitement, and certainly a cause to celebrate!