If you’re anything like us, you’ll already have powered through series two of Netflix’s Cheer and have followed half the cast on social (seriously, the La’Darius/Monica #drama is the gift that keeps on ✨giving✨, isn’t it?).
But one thing that’s got us a little confused is the technical lingo, the jargon, the word on the (cheerleading) street. Cheerleading is certainly a lesser known sport here in the UK, long been the domain of peppy American high-schools and twee teen dramas. Cheer may have opened our eyes to just how cut-throat and competitive the scene actually is, but what’s with spouting all the vernacular like we’re supposed to know what it is?
Allow us to break down the most searched.
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Earn your spot on the mat with the best Netflix Cheer-inspired workout clothes
What does ‘full out’ mean in Cheer?
One of the most bandied about turn of phrase is “going full out”. Dancers will know that this refers to performing the routine from start to finish, with full energy, as if it were the actual performance. It takes a huge amount of stamina and energy, which is why “going full out” isn’t something to do for every run through. Often we’ll see athletes “mark” the moves instead of practising them full out, which means that they do a low energy impression of in order to nail the routine or the stunts, as opposed to getting their performance perfect.
In series one, the Navarro Bulldogs – our hero team who we the viewer are guided to root for – perform their routine full out 41 times all together, aiming for their 14th win at the NCA National Championships.
In series two, they go full out 51 times to represent their (no spoilers!) 15th win. We’re tired just typing it.
What does ‘hitting zero’ mean in Cheer?
While they did briefly touch on it late on in series two, you’d be forgiven for getting lost any time someone mentions “hitting zero” on the show – which they do, a lot.
Hitting zero is the term given to successfully performing a routine full out without making any major mistakes – think, a stunt not landing or a pyramid falling down. The complicated scoring system at Daytona means that hitting anything less than zero will mean your score no longer counts as out of 100.
CHECK OUT the best Cheer inspired fitness gear
Cheer inspired fitness gear slider
1 of 13Nike Pro Dri-FIT Shorts
You'll catch the Cheers athletes of both Navarro and TVCC teams wearing plenty of comfortable workout gear, and practising their stunts in these Nike Pro Dri-FIT shorts.
2 of 13Weekday Cheer Bikini Top with High Neck in Light Blue
This powder blue top gets our vote.
3 of 13Navarro Cheer Sweatshirt
Fully rep Navarro college with this graphic sweatshirt.
4 of 13Energy Bra Long Line
A comfortable and supportive sports bra, ideal for even the toughest of workouts.
5 of 13Under Armour Tech Short Sleeve
A soft lightweight t-shirt that's available in plenty of different colours if light grey isn't up your street.
6 of 13Gymshark Speed tank
This top is cute AF and super lightweight, so it's excellent for most sports, whether you're running or doing yoga.
7 of 13Adidas Sweatshirt
Need some loungewear? This sweatshirt is brilliantly comfy and perfect for those self-care Sundays.
8 of 13Navarro Classic T-Shirt
Show just how much of a Cheer fan you are with this graphic t-shirt with Navarro College's motto.
9 of 13Women's Shape Seamless Leggings - Black
These high-waisted leggings are perfect for any workout, especially during these winter months.
10 of 13Ruched Training Sports Bra
We love an all-black fitness outfit and this sports bra is the perfect addition to it.
11 of 13BuildLife 3.78L/2.2L Wide Mouth Gym Water Bottle
Just like the Cheer cast, you've got to keep hydrated, and this gorgeous 3.78L water bottle is just the way to do it.
12 of 13Training Ankle Socks
The cheer cast is famous for having a clean, clear cut image, and these white socks are definitely part of it.
13 of 13Uplifting Scrunchie
There's nothing worse than working out with your hair flying around in your face, and this soft scrunchie will keep your hair in place throughout your workouts.
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Did they win in 2019?
Did who win, exactly?
The first series in 2020 followed the Corsicana Bulldogs – the co-ed cheer team at Corsicana Junior college and widely revered as the model of excellence in the sport, thanks to their headstrong coach Monica Aldama – as they prepare to compete at the National Cheerleading Association National Championships at Daytona in 2019. As viewers we are rooting for the team, who are unsurprisingly crowned victorious after competing against some of the other best teams in the country. It is their 14th win.
Things are shaken up a bit for the second series, when the team’s closest rivals, the TVCC (Trinity Valley Community College) cheer team are introduced to the show, with the series following both teams as they prepare to compete against each other.