How to Be Able to Do a Split for Cheerleading The splits are one of the most commonly recognized cheerleading skills. They are also one of the most difficult skills to master. Both forward and straddle splits are impressive displays of flexibility that require a great deal of practice and patience to learn. Strive to stretch daily, and if possible, twice daily, to develop full splits fairly quickly. Always warm up thoroughly prior to attempting the splits by raising your body temperature with aerobic activity such as jogging in place, and stretch your muscles, particularly those of the lower body. Forward Splits 1 Stand with your feet together and body straight. Step backward with one foot into a deep forward lunge and gently lower your back knee to the ground. Place your back lower leg and foot on the ground with your shoelaces facing down. 2 Place your hands on either side of your forward foot and distribute your weight evenly between your hands and your front foot. 3 Lower your hips as close as you can to the ground by sliding your back foot backward and walking your hands backward until they are alongside your hips. Hold your weight in your hands as necessary. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. 4 Return to standing and perform the splits with the opposite leg forward. Practice regularly on both legs, lowering your hips further and further each time until you are able to rest your hips flush to the ground and