Herkie

The Herkie (aka Hurkie) is a cheerleading jump named after Lawrence Herkimer, the founder of the National Cheerleaders Association and former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University. This jump is similar to a side-hurdler and to the abstract (double hook), except instead of the bent leg's knee being pointed downward, it should be flat while the other leg is straight in a straddle jump (toetouch) position.

The jump was invented accidentally, because Herkimer was not able to do an actual side-hurdler.[1] Common misspellings include: Hurky, Herky.

Jump Position

In a left herkie, the jumper has the left leg straight in a half-straddle position, and the right leg bent flat beneath them. In a right herkie, it is the opposite. When used as a "signature" at the end of an organized cheer, the jumper typically bends their weaker leg.

Arm Positions

Herkie arm positions depend on how the legs are positioned. A left Herkie has the left arm in a straight up High V motion and the right arm on the right hip. If doing a right Herkie the arm positions are flipped.

References
  1. Branch, John. "Shaking Pompoms for the Grandfather of Modern Cheerleading", The New York Times, March 14, 2009. Accessed March 15, 2009.
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