1. The unique design and auxiliary role of color

Eye-catching: The colors of cheerleading mats are usually bright and vivid. For example, the common ones are red, blue, pink and so on. Such distinctive colors can visually attract the audience's attention quickly and make the performance area more prominent in the venue.

In large sports events or campus activities, cheerleading performance as a vibrant project, bright mat colors can make the audience in the many activities easier to focus on the cheerleading performance venue, to enhance the attraction of the performance.

Team Style Matching: The color of the mat can be matched with the color of the cheerleading team's clothing. If the team's clothing is mainly in green, choosing a mat color (e.g. yellow) with green elements or coordinated with green can create a unified and harmonious visual effect. Such a match can strengthen the team's image and make it easier for the audience to remember the characteristics of the cheerleading team.

Emotional guidance: Different colors can also guide the audience's emotions to a certain extent. For example, red cheerleading mats can convey the feeling of enthusiasm and vigor, which can better match the passionate movements and rhythms of cheerleading performances, stimulate the audience's excitement and make the atmosphere more enthusiastic.

2. Unique design and auxiliary role of patterns

Identifying patterns: Cheerleading mats may be printed with the team's logo, name or mascot and other patterns. This is like the team's business card, which can enhance the team's recognition. At competitions or performances, mats with team logos will allow the audience and judges to quickly recognize the team's identity, enhancing the team's brand image and visibility.

Auxiliary Moves and Formations: Cheerleading mats with geometric patterns (e.g., squares, lines, etc.) can be used as a reference for cheerleaders' moves and formations. For example, when performing complex formations, cheerleaders can use the lines on the mat as a reference to move and form more accurately. These patterns act as hidden "navigation lines" to help improve the neatness and accuracy of the performance.

Creating a thematic atmosphere: If the cheerleading performance is centered around a specific theme (e.g. ocean theme, fairy tale theme, etc.), the pattern on the mat can be used to match it. For ocean-themed performances, cheerleading mats can be designed with patterns of waves, shells, etc., which can better immerse the audience in the thematic atmosphere created by the performance and enhance the infectious and ornamental nature of the performance.

For beginners, there are the following tips and do's and don'ts for practicing on a cheerleading mat: 

1. Techniques 1.Use elasticity to help with movements - Cheerleading mats have a certain amount of elasticity, and beginners should learn to take advantage of this property. For example, when doing a simple jumping movement, it is like jumping on the spot, and when jumping, you can use the elasticity of the mat to bend your knees slightly, so that your body can store energy like a spring, and then jump quickly. This makes the jumps easier and allows you to find your rhythm gradually. When doing continuous jumping movements, such as jumping jacks, using the elasticity of the mat can make the movements more coherent and elastic, and enhance the beauty of the movements. 

2. Feel the non-slip performance and keep your balance - When practicing on the cheerleading mat for the first time, you should pay attention to the non-slip performance of the mat. When doing some one-legged standing movements, such as a one-legged balanced arm raise, the center of gravity should be evenly distributed on the soles of the feet and feel the friction between the soles of the feet and the mat. By adjusting the position of the foot and the way you exert force, you can find the most stable balance. When performing rotational movements, such as turning in place, it is necessary to rely on the friction between the foot and the mat to control the speed and direction of rotation and avoid slipping. 

3. Use mat boundaries as a reference – Cheerleading mats have clear boundaries that beginners can use as a reference for the range of motion. For example, when practicing simple movement steps, such as sliding backwards and backwards, and side-by-side, using the edge of the mat as the boundary to control your range of movement will help you develop a good sense of space and avoid stepping out of the prescribed field during a performance or competition. At the same time, when performing some small combination exercises, the use of mat boundaries can better plan the action route and improve the standardization of the movements. 

4. Precautions 1. Pay attention to safety - Although cheerleading mats have some cushioning effect, beginners can still get injured during practice. Before exercising, make sure that the joints in all parts of the body are warmed up adequately, such as turning the wrists, ankles, and moving the knees and hips. If you want to perform some difficult movements, such as rolling, lifting, etc., it is best to have a coach or experienced player by your side to protect you. At the same time, pay attention to check whether the surface of the mat is flat, whether there is any damage or foreign objects, to avoid injury caused by the mat itself. 

5. Keep the mat clean- Cheerleading mats are a piece of equipment shared by many people, and beginners should develop a good habit of keeping the mats clean. Before practicing, try to make sure the soles of your shoes are clean and avoid bringing dust, mud, etc. to the mat. If you sweat a lot during the exercise, you should clean up the sweat on the mat in time after the exercise, and you can wipe it with a clean towel to prevent the sweat from penetrating into the mat and breeding bacteria, which will affect the service life and hygiene of the mat. 

6. Follow the correct order of practice - Beginners should start with simple basic movements such as basic standing, arm movements, steps, etc. Once you've mastered the basics, you'll gradually learn combos and more complex techniques. Don't try difficult maneuvers such as somersaults, throws, etc., at the beginning, as it is easy to get injured due to unskilled technique. In addition, when learning new movements, listen carefully to the guidance of the instructor and practice according to the correct movement essentials. 

7. Adapt to the elasticity and thickness of the mat – Different cheerleading mats may vary in elasticity and thickness. Beginners should take some time to get used to the elasticity and thickness of a new mat when they are using it for the first time. You can walk and jump on the mat to feel the characteristics of the mat. If the mat is more elastic, you should pay more attention to controlling the center of gravity of the body when doing some movements that require stable support; If the mat is thick, when doing some ground movements, such as rolling, pay attention to adjusting the strength and amplitude of the action to avoid affecting the quality of the action due to the mat being too thick.

The shock-absorbing function of the cheerleading mat protects the body of the cheerleading players in the following aspects: 

1. Protect joints- Ankle protection: There are a lot of jumping movements in cheerleading, such as vertical jumps in place, jumping jacks, etc. When landing, the ankles of the players will be subjected to a large impact. The shock absorption function of the cheerleading mat can effectively absorb and disperse this part of the impact force, reducing the pressure on the ankle. For example, when a player falls from a height, the mat acts as a "buffer" so that the ankle is not suddenly subjected to a huge impact, thus reducing the risk of ankle sprains and strains. 

Knee Protection: The knee is another area that can be injured when performing complex dance moves and jumping moves. For example, in some jumping and turning movements in cheerleading, the knees need to bear the weight of the body and the impact force when landing. A cheerleading mat with good shock absorption can reduce the damage to the cartilage and ligaments of the knee article by this impact force, and reduce the likelihood of long-term damage such as knee arthritis. 

Waist protection: The waist needs to bear greater force for lifting, somersaults and other actions involved in cheerleading. When a player falls from the lifting position or lands after completing a somersault movement, the shock absorption effect of the cheerleading mat can alleviate the vibration of the waist and prevent lumbar muscle strain and lumbar spine injury. 

2. Reduces muscle fatigue- Since the cheerleading mat is able to absorb the impact, the muscles of the players do not need to be over-strained to resist the strong impact during practice or performance. For example, in the absence of shock absorber pads during continuous jumps, the muscles need to contract harder to cushion the impact of landing, which causes the muscles to fatigue quickly. With the shock absorption function, the cheerleading mat reduces the burden on the muscles, can maintain a better working condition for a long time, so that the team members can complete the cheerleading movements for a longer time, and reduce the risk of deformation and injury caused by muscle fatigue. 

3. Cumulative effect of reducing the risk of injury - In the training and performance of cheerleading, the team members will perform various movements repeatedly, and the impact force on the body is accumulated many times. Without a cushion with shock absorption, the impact of each movement can gradually cause minor damage to the body, which can add up to serious injuries. The shock absorption function of the cheerleading mat can control the impact force of each movement within a safe range, just like a "safety guard", reducing the cumulative effect of this injury risk, so that the team members can train and perform in a relatively safe environment. 

4. Protect Bone Health - Long-term cheerleading can have a detrimental effect on bone health from frequent impacts. A good cheerleading mat can reduce the pressure on the bones during exercise. Especially for young cheerleaders in the growth and development stage, the shock absorbing pad can avoid problems such as abnormal growth of bones due to excessive compression, and ensure the normal growth and development of bones.

To determine whether a cheerleading mat meets the safety standards, you can start from the following aspects:

Material and quality - environmental protection and non-toxic: high-quality cheerleading mats should be made of environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials, such as XPE, IXPE, TPE foam materials in line with national standards, these materials do not have irritating odors and will not cause harm to the human body, you can check whether the product has the relevant environmental certification.

Durable material: The surface material of the mat should have certain abrasion resistance and tear resistance, such as leather, Oxford cloth and other materials, which can withstand the frequent friction and tugging in cheerleading training and performance, and is not easy to break, fall off and other problems.

Good elasticity and shock absorption: The elasticity and shock absorption performance of the mat is crucial, it can effectively absorb and disperse the impact generated by the movement and reduce the damage to the joints. It can be initially judged by pressing the surface of the mat and observing the speed and degree of rebound. A mat that rebounds quickly and recovers to its original state usually has good elasticity and shock absorption.

Size and Thickness - Appropriate Size: The size of the cheerleading mat should be selected according to the scene of use and the number of people, in general, the standard cheerleading competition venue size of 16 meters x 16 meters, but the training mat can be selected according to the actual venue and the scale of the training of the appropriate size, to ensure that the mat can provide sufficient space for activities, to avoid the lack of space resulting in restricted movement or accidents.

Appropriate thickness: the thickness of the mat is generally between 2cm-5cm, thicker mats have a better shock absorption effect, but it will also affect the stability of the movement and the sense of feedback; thinner mats are closer to the ground, can provide better support and stability, but the shock absorption performance is relatively weak. According to the type of cheerleading and training intensity to choose the appropriate thickness of the mat, such as competitive cheerleading can choose a slightly thicker mat, while dance cheerleading can choose a relatively thin mat.

Anti-skid performance - Surface anti-skid treatment: The surface of the mat should be treated with anti-skid treatment, such as anti-skid texture, granular surface or special anti-skid coating, etc., in order to increase the friction and prevent players from slipping and falling in training and performance. You can rub your hands on the surface of the mat to feel its anti-slip effect, or wear cheerleading shoes to perform simple jumps and rotations on the mat to test its anti-slip performance.

Bottom non-slip design: The bottom of the mat also needs to have good non-slip performance to ensure that the mat will not move freely in the process of use. Common non-slip bottom design has non-slip rubber bottom, suction cups, etc. You can place the mat on the smooth ground and gently push the mat to check whether it is easy to slide.

Splicing and Edge Treatment - Tight Splicing: If the cheerleading mat is spliced together, the splices should be tight and firm, with no obvious gaps or unevenness, so as to prevent players from tripping or spraining when passing through the splices. You can carefully check the connection method of the splices, such as Velcro, zipper, etc. whether it is firm and whether the splices are flat.

Rounded edges: The edges of the mat should be rounded, such as the use of edging, chamfering and other processes, to prevent players from accidentally touching the edges and injuries during training and performance. Touch the edges of the mat to check whether there are sharp corners or burrs. ### Safety Certification and Test Report

Relevant certification marks: Cheerleading mats that meet safety standards usually have corresponding safety certification marks, such as the certification of the National Center for Quality Supervision and Inspection of Sporting Goods and the ISO quality system certification, etc. These certification marks are an important manifestation of product quality and safety, so you can check whether the products have such marks and certification numbers, and inquire about the authenticity of the products in the websites of the relevant organizations.

Test reports: manufacturers or sellers are required to provide product test reports, the report should contain the mat's various safety performance indicators, such as formaldehyde content, heavy metal content, elasticity coefficient, anti-slip coefficient, etc., by checking the test report, to understand whether the product meets the relevant safety standards.

The price range of cheerleading mats is wider, generally the price of cheaper cheerleading mats is about 40-80 yuan, this kind of mat is usually relatively ordinary material, thin thickness, small size, suitable for personal daily training or small group basic exercises. The price of the medium-grade cheerleading mat is between 80-150 yuan, its material and workmanship are relatively good, with a certain elasticity and anti-slip performance, and the thickness and size are also relatively moderate, which can meet the needs of general training and performance such as school clubs and gyms. The price of professional-grade cheerleading mats with better quality and more complete functions is more than 150 yuan, and even the price of some high-end customized cheerleading mats may exceed 500 yuan. The price of cheerleading mats is mainly affected by the following factors: 

1. Material - XPE material: with the advantages of environmental protection and non-toxic, good elasticity, anti-slip and wear-resistant, the price is relatively moderate, it is the most common cheerleading mat material on the market, and its price range is generally about 60-140 yuan. - **EVA material**: lightweight, soft, elastic and affordable, but the durability is slightly poor, easy to deform, the price is mostly between 40-80 yuan. 

2. Rubber material: excellent anti-slip performance, good wear resistance, good weather resistance, long service life, but relatively heavy and may have rubber smell, the price is generally about 100-200 yuan. 

3. PVC material: the price is relatively cheap, the waterproof performance is good, but the environmental protection is poor, the anti-slip performance is general, usually the price is about 40-60 yuan. 

4. Size: The larger the size of the cheerleading mat, the more material is required and the higher the price. For example, a small cheerleading mat, such as a size of 1m ×1m, may cost 40-60 yuan; The price of large cheerleading mats, such as 4m×6m size, may range from 200 to 500 yuan. 

5. Thickness: Thicker cheerleading mats can provide better cushioning performance, but the cost will also increase accordingly. Generally speaking, the price of a cheerleading mat with a thickness of 1cm is relatively low, while the price of a cheerleading mat with a thickness of 5cm or more will be much higher. For example, the price of a 1cm thick XPE cheerleading mat may be around 60 yuan, while the price of a 5cm thick mat of the same style may be around 140 yuan. 

6. Process: The production of cheerleading mats with fine craftsmanship, such as seamless splicing, hot pressing and other processes, can make the mat more flat, beautiful and durable, but the cost will be higher. The price of cheerleading mats made by ordinary technology is relatively low. 

7. Brand: Well-known brands of cheerleading mats are usually more guaranteed in terms of quality, performance, after-sales service, etc., and the price is relatively high. The price of some small brands or unknown brands of cheerleading mats may be lower, but there may be certain risks in quality and after-sales. 

8. Customization needs: If you need to customize special sizes, colors, patterns or add personalized logos, etc., manufacturers need to invest additional costs for production, so the price of customized cheerleading mats will be much higher than ordinary mats.

There are several reasons for using specialized cheerleading mats rather than regular mats in cheerleading training and performance:

1. To provide suitable elasticity - buffer protection: cheerleading action contains a large number of jumps, rolls and landing action. Specialized cheerleading mats have good elasticity, which can effectively cushion the impact generated by the athletes when they land, and reduce injuries to the joints (e.g., ankles, knees and waist). For example, if a cheerleader falls from a height after completing a lifting maneuver, a cheerleading mat can absorb most of the impact, just like a car's shock absorber, whereas a regular mat may not provide enough cushioning, increasing the risk of injury.

2. Help to complete the action: Proper elasticity can also help athletes to complete some actions better. For example, when doing tumbling movements, a cheerleading mat with good elasticity can help athletes get a better rebound force, making the movements more smooth, stretching and easy, which helps to improve the quality and performance of the movements. Ordinary mats may not be elastic enough or uniform, which may affect the athletes' performance.

3. Excellent non-slip performance - to ensure the safety of movement: Cheerleading has many fast rotations, jumps and position changes, which require athletes' feet to be in stable contact with the mat. Cheerleading mats are often designed with special anti-slip textures or materials that provide enough friction to prevent athletes from slipping. For example, when performing high kicks, a non-slip cheerleading mat ensures that the athlete's supporting foot is firmly planted on the mat, whereas an ordinary mat (such as some yoga mats) may be slippery and easily cause the athlete to lose balance, resulting in an injury.

4. Meet specific size requirements - Adapt to changes in formation and range of motion: Cheerleading competitions and performances are held at venues with certain standard size requirements, and specialized cheerleading mats are usually able to meet these size standards, such as the common 16m x 16m size of competition venues. This size ensures that when the cheerleaders are performing complex formations and large movements, the entire team can safely complete the movements within the mat, and the performance will not be affected by the limited space. Ordinary mats are often smaller in size or do not meet the standards of cheerleading venues and do not provide enough space.

5. Better durability to withstand high-frequency use: The high frequency of cheerleading training and performances requires mats that can withstand repeated friction, stepping and the pressure of various movements. Specialized cheerleading mats are generally made of wear-resistant and pressure-resistant materials, and after special processing, they can maintain good performance and appearance under long-time high-frequency use. In contrast, ordinary mats may wear out and deform after a few cheerleading training sessions, affecting the effectiveness and longevity of the mats.

6. Consider the aesthetics and professionalism - enhance the visual effect: Cheerleading mats are usually designed to match the style and atmosphere of cheerleading performances in terms of color and appearance. They may have bright colors, uniform patterns or logos, which help to enhance the visual effect of the entire cheerleading performance and make the performance more appealing. Ordinary mats may be more monotonous in appearance and do not fit well into the theme and scene of a cheerleading performance, detracting from the overall professional image.

The main materials of cheerleading mats are as follows: 

1.XPE material: It has the advantages of environmental protection, non-toxic, tasteless, good elasticity, seismic decompression, anti-slip and wear-resistant, etc., and the closed-cell structure makes it moisture-proof and waterproof, and it is not easy to breed bacteria and mold. The surface of the cheerleading mat made of XPE material can be with anti-slip texture, which can further enhance the anti-slip performance, and is suitable for various indoor and outdoor venues, such as school playgrounds, gymnasiums, outdoor squares, etc. 

2. EVA material: lightweight, soft, good elasticity, good cushioning performance, can effectively reduce the impact on the joints during exercise, and the price is relatively close to the people. However, its durability is slightly poor, easy to deform, and the anti-slip performance is general, which is more suitable for use on indoor ordinary grounds, such as school dance studios, gyms and other venues, and is an economical choice when the frequency of use is not high. 

3. Rubber material: excellent anti-slip performance, good wear resistance, good weather resistance, can adapt to various harsh outdoor environments, and has a long service life. However, the cheerleading mat made of rubber is relatively heavy, inconvenient to carry and move, and may have a certain rubber smell, which needs to be ventilated for a period of time before use, and is suitable for outdoor long-term fixed use of venues, such as parks, community squares and other outdoor sports places. 

4. PVC material: affordable price, good waterproof performance, but poor environmental protection, anti-slip performance in general. PVC cheerleading mats usually have some special treatment on the surface, such as adding anti-slip particles or using anti-skid texture design to improve their anti-slip effect, which can be used in some temporary sites with low environmental protection requirements and low frequency of use. 

5. Composite material: Some cheerleading mats will be made of a variety of materials, such as on the basis of XPE or EVA foam material, the surface is covered with a layer of textured leather or non-slip rubber particles, etc., to combine the advantages of different materials. For example, there is a special mat for cheerleading training competition, including the first foam layer, textured leather, the second foam layer, cushioning protective layer, grid layer, wear-resistant protective layer, reinforcement layer, thickened cushion, rubber particles, surface protective layer and other nine-layer structure, through the combination of different materials, not only to ensure the elasticity and cushioning performance of the mat, but also to improve the slip resistance and durability. On the whole, the rubber cheerleading mat has the best anti-slip performance, followed by the XPE cheerleading mat with special designs such as anti-slip texture or rubber particles.

The cleaning and maintenance of a cheerleading mat is essential to prolong its lifespan, and here are some specific ways to do it: 

1. Cleaning method - surface dust cleaning:

For dust generated after daily use, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry towel to gently wipe the surface of the cheerleading mat. This makes it easy and quick to remove floating dust and prevents it from entering the inside of the mat and affecting its performance. 

If the venue is dusty, you can also use a small handheld vacuum cleaner to vacuum the cheerleading mat on a lower suction setting. This method removes dust more thoroughly, especially on textured cheerleading mat surfaces, where dust tends to accumulate. 

2. Stain cleaning - sweat stains: During cheerleading exercises, sweat will inevitably be stained on the mat. For this stain, you can mix warm water with a small amount of neutral detergent (such as dish soap, add about 5 - 10 ml of dish soap per liter of water) and then gently wipe the stain with a soft, damp cloth dipped in the cleaning solution. Take care to avoid using too much water to prevent moisture from seeping into the inside of the mat. After wiping, wipe off the detergent residue with a clean, damp towel and finally blot off with a dry towel. 

3. Food and drink stains: If you accidentally spill food or drink on the cheerleading mat, clean it up as soon as possible. For water-based stains (if juice), you can first blot the liquid with a absorbent paper towel and then treat it as you would to clean sweat stains. For oily stains (such as chocolate, grease, etc.), you can apply a small amount of special detergent (such as oil cleaner) to the stain, let it stand for a few minutes, and gently wipe it with a damp cloth until the stain is removed, and also wipe off the detergent residue with a clean wet towel, and then blot it with a dry towel. 

4. Shoe print stains: Since the team members will wear sneakers to move on the mat during cheerleading, it is easy to leave shoe prints. For this stain, you can use an eraser to gently wipe it, and most of the shoe prints can be erased. If the shoe prints are stubborn, they can be wiped with the above mixture of warm water and mild detergent. 

5. Maintenance method - prevent direct sunlight:

Cheerleading mats are exposed to sunlight for a long time, which can cause the material to deteriorate and fade. Therefore, when not in use, cheerleading mats should be stored indoors or in a shaded area. If the cheerleading mat is placed outdoors, it is best to build an awning to protect the mat. 

6. Keep dry: The material of the cheerleading mat (such as XPE, EVA, etc.) is easy to breed bacteria and mold in a humid environment, and may also affect its elasticity and anti-slip performance. After use, if there is sweat on the surface of the mat or if it gets wet with rain, wipe it off in time. If the mat is not used for a long time, it should be placed in a dry and ventilated place, and some desiccant packets can be placed inside the mat to absorb moisture. 

7. Avoid scratches with sharp objects: When using the cheerleading mat, be careful to avoid sharp objects (such as scissors, keys, nails, etc.) touching the mat. If the surface of the mat is scratched, it will not only affect the aesthetics, but also cause the material inside the mat to be exposed, accelerating the damage. When carrying or storing cheerleading mats, also check your surroundings to prevent them from being scratched by other sharp objects. 

8. Regular inspection and maintenance

A full inspection of the cheerleading mat should be done regularly (and monthly is recommended). Check whether the surface of the mat is damaged, whether the stains are clean, whether the splicing is firm, etc. For small problems found (such as slight damage or loose joints), it is necessary to repair them in time to prevent the problem from expanding. For example, if you find that there is looseness in the splicing, you can reinforce the splice parts; If there is a small break in the surface of the mat, it can be repaired with a special repair material.

There are a number of aspects to consider when selecting cheerleading mats that are of good quality and suitable for different venues:

1.Material

XPE material: environmentally friendly, non-toxic, tasteless, good elasticity, shock absorption, pressure reduction, anti-slip and wear-resistant, etc., closed cell structure makes it moisture-proof, waterproof performance is excellent, not easy to breed bacteria and mold, suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, such as school playgrounds, gymnasiums, outdoor plazas and so on. For example, some professional cheerleading training grounds often use XPE cheerleading mats.

EVA material: light, soft, elastic, with good buffer performance, can effectively reduce the impact of sports on the joints, the price is relatively more affordable. But its durability is a little worse, easy to deformation, more suitable for indoor common ground, such as school dance classrooms, gyms and other venues to use, the use of infrequent cases is an affordable choice.

Rubber material: excellent anti-slip performance, wear-resistant, weather-resistant, can adapt to a variety of harsh outdoor environments, long service life. However, rubber cheerleading mats are relatively heavy, inconvenient to carry and move, and may have a certain rubber odor, need to be ventilated for a period of time after use, suitable for outdoor long-term fixed use of the site, such as parks, community squares and other outdoor sports venues.

Thickness

2-3cm: suitable for beginners or children, this thickness of mat can provide a certain degree of cushioning protection, but not too flimsy to affect the stability and accuracy of the movement, commonly used in school cheerleading interest classes or children cheerleading training venues.

3-5 centimeters: It is a more common thickness, with a better balance of cushioning and support, suitable for most cheerleading training and competition scenes, whether it is an indoor gymnasium or an outdoor flat surface, it can meet the basic requirements of use.

Above 5cm: with better cushioning effect, it is suitable for cheerleading training with difficult movements or high safety requirements, such as professional cheerleading competition venues, acrobatic troupe training grounds, etc. However, the increase in thickness will make the weight and volume of the mat increase accordingly, and the portability will be affected to a certain extent.

Size

Choose according to the area of the venue: to ensure that the cheerleading mat can completely cover the training or competition required for the scope of the field, to avoid the occurrence of the edge of the field without a mat to protect the situation. The common size of cheerleading competition venues are 16 meters x 16 meters, etc. You can choose the right size of mat according to the actual venue size, or by splicing to cover the whole venue.

Considering portability and storage: If you need to carry cheerleading mats to different venues for training or performances, you should choose mats that are of moderate size and easy to fold or roll up, so that they are easier to carry and store without taking up too much space.

Surface Characteristics

Anti-skid: Good anti-skid performance can prevent cheerleaders from slipping and getting hurt when doing movements, especially in the case of jumping and spinning and other more movements. Cheerleading mats with textured surfaces or made of non-slip materials can provide better friction to ensure the safety of the movement, whether on wooden floors, plastic floors or outdoor concrete floors and other different materials, should have a reliable non-slip effect.

Abrasion resistance: The Cheerleading Mats used frequently are susceptible to wear and tear due to friction between the soles of the shoes, the body and the mats, and mats with good abrasion resistance are able to maintain the flatness and integrity of the surface and prolong the service life. You can judge the wear resistance by checking the material description of the product, user reviews or actually touching the surface texture of the mat.

Easy to clean: Cheerleading mats are easily stained with dust, sweat and other stains during use, so choosing an easy-to-clean mat can facilitate daily maintenance and upkeep. Mats with smooth surfaces and no seams are relatively easy to wipe clean, while some mats with lint or deep textures may hide dirt and are not easy to clean, requiring regular deep cleaning and care.

Splicing method

Velcro splicing: this splicing method is simple, convenient and fast, can quickly connect multiple mats together to form a complete training ground, and the splicing is relatively flat, will not affect the consistency of the player's movements, suitable for temporary construction or need to be frequently dismantled site, such as school multi-purpose halls, temporary rented training venues.

Mother's tooth splicing: the splicing is firm, not easy to loose or separate, can ensure the stability and safety of the mat in the process of use, suitable for long-term fixed use of the venue, such as professional cheerleading training halls, sports centers, etc., but this splicing is relatively more troublesome in the installation and dismantling, requires a certain amount of time and skills.

Hook and loop splicing: The splicing is tight, which can effectively guarantee the flatness of the mat surface, and at the same time, it is easy to dismantle and transfer for transportation, which is a more practical splicing method for cheerleading teams that need to change venues frequently.

Brand and quality certification

Well-known brands: usually have a good reputation and credibility, product quality is more guaranteed, you can refer to other users' comments, professional athletes or coaches' recommendations to choose a well-known brand of cheerleading mats. Such as some of the brands focusing on the production of sports equipment for many years, its product development, production process, quality control and other aspects have more experience and strict standards.

Quality certification: ensure that the cheerleading mat has passed the relevant quality certification, such as environmental certification, safety certification. For example, in line with national environmental standards of the mat will not cause harm to human health, while through the safety certification of the mat in the non-slip, shock absorption, fire and other aspects of the mat to meet certain requirements, can provide users with more reliable security.

Standard size of cheerleading mats 

The standard size of the common cheerleading mat is 16 meters long, 16 meters wide, and the thickness is generally about 5 cm×. - There is also a smaller standard size of 12 meters long and 12 meters wide, although this size is relatively rarely used and may be present at some small events or training venues. Different events have special requirements for the size of cheerleading mats 

International Cheerleading Union (ICU) events: 16m × 16m cheerleading mats are usually required to ensure that athletes have enough space to perform a variety of difficult movements and complex formation changes. 

American All-Star Cheerleading Association (USASF) events: The standard size of 16 meters × 16 meters is also followed, and there are strict regulations on the material, elasticity, and slip resistance of the mat to ensure the safety and fairness of the game. 

National Student Games Cheerleading Competition: Generally, a mat size of 16 meters × 16 meters is used, which requires the mat to provide good cushioning performance and reduce the risk of injury in jumping, rolling and other actions. 

The 1st National Student (Youth) Games Campus Group Cheerleading Competition: The competition area is 16 meters × 16 meters of rubber boards. 

Some local or small events: 12m×12m or other sizes of Cheerleading Mats may be selected depending on factors such as actual venue conditions and number of participants, but this must be clearly stated in the competition regulations to ensure that all participating teams can compete under the same conditions.

At present, there are some famous brands of cheerleading roll mats on the market, and the cost performance is as follows:

1.Pango Sports:

Product features: provide high-density XPE material roll mats, with Velcro splicing design, easy to connect and fix, the mats have better anti-slip performance and can provide stable support for athletes.

Value for money: the price is relatively moderate, the product quality is more reliable, and it has a certain price advantage among products of the same quality. For example, its 4cm thick high-density XPE Magic Velcro splicing roll mat is priced at around RMB 201.25, which is a good choice for cheerleading teams or individuals with certain training needs, and is more cost-effective. However, if compared with some brands that focus on low price, the price may be a bit higher, but the quality and experience is more guaranteed.

2. Xinhua Xiang:

Product features: the use of sponge as the main material, there are a variety of thickness specifications to choose from, such as 2 centimeters thick products. Its roll mat is easy to clean and disassemble, and the handle design is easy to carry, white edge corner protection design also makes the roll mat is not easy to deform.

Cost-effective: the price is relatively low, the wholesale price is relatively low, for consumers with limited budget is a more affordable choice. For example, on Alibaba, the wholesale price for a 2-centimeter-thick mat starts at about $80. Product quality can meet the basic training needs, suitable for schools, training institutions and other large-scale procurement, the overall cost-effective.

3. Energetic sports:

Product features: the use of XPE sponge, compressive elasticity, not easy to deform, and the use of hot laminating process, instead of the traditional gluing process, to avoid the emergence of bubbles and other problems. The PVC leather bottom of the surface with velvet, for hot laminating to provide a better adhesive base, and at the same time has a non-slip wear-resistant characteristics.

Value for money: the product is of high quality and excels in durability and safety, but the price is relatively high. However, considering its high-quality materials and advanced technology, it can be used for a long time and is not easy to be damaged, which makes it cost-effective for professional cheerleading teams, gyms and other long-term use scenarios. If you have high quality requirements for roll mats and use them more frequently, Vitality Sports' roll mats are worth considering.

4. Cheng Jian:

Product features: The brand's roll mats are mainly made of XPE, with a variety of thicknesses to choose from, including 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and so on, to meet the needs of different users. The products are mainly oriented to overseas markets and have passed the foreign trade export certification, so the quality is guaranteed.

Cost-effective: the price is more affordable, the wholesale price of 1cm thick seamless splicing roll mat on Alibaba is about 48 RMB. For the pursuit of cost-effective, at the same time the thickness of the roll mat is not high requirements for users, Cheng Jian's roll mat is a good choice. Its products also have a certain reputation in the export market, the quality is relatively reliable.

5. Green field guest hot ao:

Product features: roll mat using seamless connection technology, the surface is relatively flat, the use of the process is not easy to appear gap caused by the athlete fell and other situations. The material is also selected more high-quality XPE, with good elasticity and cushioning properties.

Cost-effective: The price is in the middle of the range, with a 2 cm thick seamless

cheerleading roll mat selling for about $231. For those who are concerned about the flatness and safety of the roll mat, the Greenoq Geo roll mat is a good choice, and its price/performance ratio is competitive with other seamless roll mats of the same type.

1. The effect of color on the psychology of athletes

Color psychology perspective: From a color psychology perspective, different colors elicit different emotional responses. Red, for example, is a vibrant and passionate color. When the cheerleading roll mat is red, it can stimulate the excitement and fighting spirit of the athletes. During training or performance, this intense visual stimulus may make athletes more engaged and motivated. Just like in sports, a red track or backdrop can often create a tense atmosphere that pushes athletes to perform at their best. 

Blue is often seen as a symbol of calmness and focus.

If the roll pad is blue, it may help the athlete to be more calm and focused while training. Especially when performing cheerleading movements that require precision and coordination, such as complex hand movements or difficult balancing movements, the visual environment of the blue roll mat helps athletes eliminate external distractions, make their thinking clearer and better complete the movements. 

Green is the color of nature and gives a sense of peace and comfort.

The green cheerleading mat can make athletes feel relaxed mentally and reduce the stress of training. For some athletes who are prone to nervousness, this color of rolled pads may make them feel more comfortable in the training environment, allowing them to perform more naturally. 

Personal preference perspective: In addition to the general influence of color psychology, the personal color preference of athletes can also have an effect on their psychology. If an athlete is very fond of pink, they may feel a happy mood and look forward to training when faced with a pink cheerleading mat. Conversely, if an athlete doesn't like a certain color, such as black (which may give a depressing feeling), seeing a black rolled pad during training may affect their mood to a certain extent and reduce their motivation to train. 

2. The effect of color on the training effect

Visual Recognition Angle: The contrast of colors has an important impact on the visual recognition of athletes. For example, in cheerleading training, when the color of the mat contrasts sharply with the color of the athlete's clothing, the athlete is able to see the position of his body in space more clearly, so that he can better adjust his movements. For example, a combination of white cheerleading clothing with black rolled mats, or colored clothing with white rolled pads, can make it easier for athletes to observe whether their body movements are standardized and whether the range of movements is appropriate. 

For some complex queue changes and choreography, clear visual recognition helps athletes accurately find their position and keep the line in order. If the color of the mat is too close to the color of the athlete's clothing, it may make it difficult for the athlete to judge his position during training, affecting the training effect and increasing the possibility of mistakes. 

Angle of training atmosphere: The right color can create a good training atmosphere, which in turn affects the training effect. Bright, playful color combinations, such as yellow and orange

cheerleading roll mats, can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that is conducive to stimulating creativity and teamwork in athletes. In such an environment, athletes may be more willing to try new movements and choreography, increasing motivation and initiative in training. 

In some special training that requires a high degree of concentration, such as the difficult throwing and catching training of technical cheerleading, choosing a cool and single roll mat color, such as gray or dark blue, can help create a serious and focused atmosphere, so that athletes can better concentrate and improve the concentration and efficiency of training.

1. Cleaning method for stains and sweat stains

Dry erase method: For relatively light dust and dry stains, you can first try using the dry erase method. Prepare a clean, soft brush (such as a wool brush) and gently brush along the texture of the roll pad to remove dust and impurities from the surface. This method is simple and effective, and does not introduce additional moisture, which can lead to damage to the roll pads due to moisture. 

Wet wiping method: When there are sweat stains or mild water-soluble stains on the roll pad, wet wiping is a more suitable method. Prepare a clean, soft, damp cloth and soak it with warm water (30-40 degrees Celsius is preferable) and avoid using hot water, which may damage the material of the roll pad. 

A small amount of neutral detergent, such as a detergent for cleaning sports equipment or a mild dish soap, can be added to the damp cloth in a ratio of about 1:100 to water. Gently wring out the damp cloth so that it is wet but not dripping. Then, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the stain in a certain direction (such as from left to right or top to bottom) starting from one end of the roll pad, taking care not to use too much force to avoid scratching the surface of the roll pad. For areas with a lot of sweat, you can slightly increase the strength of the wipe, but keep an eye on how the roll pad reacts.

 After wiping, wipe off the detergent residue with another clean, damp towel (soaked with water only) to avoid damage to the roll pad caused by the detergent residue. 

Local deep cleaning method: If there are stubborn stains on the roll mat, such as pigments, food stains, etc., you can use the local deep cleaning method. Start by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda on the stain, baking soda can act as a decontamination and deodorizing effect. Let the baking soda sit on the stain for 10 – 15 minutes to allow it to absorb the stain well. 

Then, use a soft-bristled brush to pick up a small amount of white vinegar (1:3 ratio of white vinegar to water) and gently brush the stained area. White vinegar has a good cleaning and disinfection effect, but it is more acidic, so it is necessary to control the amount used. After brushing, wipe the stain and cleaning solution clean with a clean, damp cloth, again making sure there is no residue. 

2. Maintenance measures after cleaning

Drying: After cleaning the roll pad, it must be dried. If you are indoors, you can place the roll mat in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. Avoid exposing the mat directly to the sun, because the ultraviolet rays in the sun will cause the material of the mat to deteriorate, such as making the plastic material brittle and the rubber material losing its elasticity. 

If you are cleaning the roll mat outside, move the roll pad indoors or in a shaded place to dry it first. Tools such as fans can be used to speed up the air flow and speed up drying. 

Regular Maintenance: In order to maintain the cleanliness and good performance of the roll pads, regular cleaning is recommended. For mats that are used more frequently, such as cheerleading training mats that are used every day, it is best to do a full cleaning once a week. For roll pads that are less frequently used, cleaning them once a month is sufficient. 

When the roll mat is not in use, it should be stored in a dry and cool place, and some desiccant can be placed inside the roll pad to prevent the Cheerleading roll mat from getting wet and mildew.

1. In terms of jumping movements

Cushioning effect: - Thicker cheerleading mats provide better cushioning. When an athlete lands on the ground during jumps, such as the Big Jump or the Troupe Jump, the thickness of the mat can be used to disperse the force of the impact. For example, a 10mm thick mat will give the athlete more room to deform when landing compared to a 5mm mat. This is similar to a car's shock absorption system, where a thicker mat can act like a high-performance shock absorber, absorbing more impact and reducing injuries to the athlete's joints (e.g. knees, ankles).

The cushioning effect of thicker mats is even more pronounced for difficult jumping maneuvers, such as tumbling two-week landings or high aerial maneuvers such as hurdle jumps. Because these maneuvers land with greater impact, thicker mats allow athletes to complete the maneuver more safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of injury.

Elastic Feedback: Thickness also affects the elastic feedback of the roll mat. An appropriately thick roll mat can provide athletes with a good elastic boost. In general, thicker pads are more resilient. When athletes perform continuous jumping maneuvers, such as the kick jump combination in cheerleading, the elasticity of the mat helps athletes perform the maneuver more easily, allowing them to jump higher and lighter. This is because thicker mats store more elastic potential energy when compressed, which is released during the jumping phase to assist in the jumping process.

However, if the roll mat is too thick, it may lead to excessive elasticity. Athletes may feel "deep" in it when jumping, making it difficult for them to control their body's balance and power, and affecting the accuracy and consistency of their movements. For example, a roll mat with a thickness of 20mm or more may cause the athlete to lose balance during fast jump transitions because they need to spend more energy to adapt to the mat's elasticity.

2. For tumbling movements

Protection: The thickness of the cheerleading roll mat is critical to the safety and protection of the athlete during tumbling maneuvers. A thicker mat creates a thicker layer of protection between the athlete's body and the ground. When the athlete performs a forward roll, a backward roll or a cartwheel, the thicker mat reduces the impact of the body coming into direct contact with the ground. For example, when performing a backward roll, the moment the head and neck come into contact with the mat, the thick mat can reduce the impact force and lower the possibility of cervical spine injury.

For complex tumbling techniques, such as multiple consecutive rolls or twisting movements during a roll, a thick enough mat will ensure that the athlete is well protected in case of irregularities or errors.

Fluidity: The thickness of the mat also affects the fluidity of the tumbling motion. The right thickness of mat will allow the athlete's body to transition more smoothly during the roll. For example, a moderately thick mat (approximately 8 - 12 mm) will allow the athlete to perform cartwheels in which the hand fits better on the surface of the mat and pushes the body through the tumbling motion without the hand being pinched by a mat that is too thin or too thick and sinking into the mat, which can affect the fluidity of the motion.

If the roll mat is too thin, the athlete may noticeably feel the hardness of the ground during the roll, and the body's roll may be impeded or even bruised. A thick roll mat may cause the athlete to roll with greater resistance, as the body needs to push more mat material to complete the roll, resulting in a less fluid movement.