Mats are the most important piece of safety equipment in cheerleading. The right mat absorbs impact, reduces stress on joints and gives athletes a consistent surface to learn on. The wrong one, whether too thin, too soft or the wrong type for the skill, can make training harder and less safe.
If you’re shopping for tumbling mats for a team, a gym or home practice, here’s what you need to know.
The Main Types of Cheer Mats
Folding panel mats
These are the most common mats you’ll see. They’re rectangular, divided into hinged panels that fold up like an accordion, and covered in vinyl. Typical thicknesses range from about 1.5 to 2 inches.
Best for: floor drills, rolls, cartwheels, conditioning, jump landings and as a general-purpose surface. Many have hook-and-loop strips on the ends so several can be joined into a longer tumbling strip.
Carpet-bonded foam rolls
Cheer gyms and competitions use roll-out sections of foam with carpet bonded to the top. Several rolls are joined to make a full cheer floor, and many gyms put them on top of a sprung floor for extra give.
Best for: full team practices and competition-style routines. They’re bulky and expensive, so they’re mainly for gyms and schools rather than homes.
Incline mats (wedges)
Triangle-shaped foam mats with a slope, nicknamed “cheese mats” by many gymnasts. The incline helps athletes learn the rotation of skills like back walkovers and back handsprings, with gravity helping them along.
Best for: progressions taught by a coach. They’re a teaching aid, not a landing surface.
Barrel and octagon mats
Rounded mats that roll. They help athletes learn back bends, walkovers and handspring shapes with support under the back.
Best for: coach-led drills for beginner and intermediate tumblers.
Crash and landing mats
Thick, soft mats, often 8 to 12 inches deep, designed to absorb the impact of high-energy landings.
Best for: gyms, under coach supervision, when athletes are learning new or advanced skills. They’re too soft for everyday tumbling, because a mat that’s too soft makes ankles roll and teaches poor landing habits.
Air tracks
Inflatable mats with a bouncy, cushioned surface. They roll up small and can be pumped up in a few minutes.
Best for: drills and repetition of skills an athlete already has. The bounce makes tumbling easier, which is great for building confidence but can lead athletes to try skills before they’re ready. Use them with coaching and adult supervision, and follow the maker’s guidance on pressure.
How to Choose the Right Mat
Match the mat to the skill level
- Beginners and young children: a firm folding panel mat for basic skills. Wider is better, because it gives more margin for error.
- Intermediate tumblers: panel mats for everyday work, with incline or barrel mats for coach-led progressions.
- Advanced athletes: a full cheer floor at the gym, with landing mats for learning new skills.
Thickness
Thicker isn’t always better. A thin, firm mat gives stable footing for standing skills and landings. A thicker, softer mat cushions falls but can make balance harder. For most home and practice use, a firm mat of around 1.5 to 2 inches is the standard choice, with specializt mats added for specific drills.
Foam density
Good mats use firm, dense foam that springs back. Cheap mats with low-density foam compress quickly, “bottom out” under impact and lose their shape. Press hard into the mat with your thumb. If you can feel the floor easily, it won’t protect much.
Cover material
Look for a heavy-duty vinyl cover that’s:
- Tear and puncture-resistant
- Easy to wipe clean and disinfect
- Free of strong chemical smells (air new mats out before use)
Connectors and fit
Check whether mats have hook-and-loop connectors on two or four sides, so they can be joined into longer or wider areas. Measure your space before you buy and leave room for safe run-in and run-out.
Weight and storage
Folding mats that store flat or upright are much easier to live with than large single-piece mats. If several people will be moving them, check the weight.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Who will use the mat, and what skills will they practice on it?
- Where will it be used and stored, and how much floor space is free?
- Will you want to add more mats later? If so, choose a size and connector style you can match.
- Does the maker list the foam type, density and cover material clearly?
- What does the warranty cover, and are replacement covers available?
Caring for Your Mats
- Clean regularly with a mild soap solution or a disinfectant that’s safe for vinyl.
- Inspect often for tears, worn spots or exposed foam, and repair or replace damaged mats.
- Store flat or upright as the maker recommends, away from direct sun and extreme heat.
- Keep connectors clean so the hook-and-loop strips stay grippy.
- No shoes with rough soles or cleats on the mats, and no sharp objects nearby.
Safety Reminders
- Mats reduce risk, but they don’t make unsafe skills safe.
- New tumbling skills should be learned with a qualified coach.
- Make sure mats can’t slide on smooth floors, and that the gaps between them are closed.
- Keep the area around the mats clear of furniture, walls and other athletes.
- Always have an adult present when children are tumbling at home.
Final Thoughts
The right tumbling mat depends on who’s using it and what they’re learning. For most families, a firm folding panel mat is the place to start. Teams and gyms will build up a range of mats over time. Whatever you buy, pair it with good coaching and sensible rules, and your mats will help athletes progress with confidence.