Quick answer: a tuck jump is a symmetrical cheer jump in which both knees draw up toward the chest at the peak of the jump, rather than the legs extending outward as in a toe touch or pike.
What Does It Look Like?
From a jump takeoff, the athlete pulls both knees up tightly toward the chest, holding a compact, folded shape at the peak of the jump, before extending the legs back down to land with control.
How the Term Is Used
"Tuck jump" refers specifically to this compact, knees-up shape - distinct from a "tuck" in tumbling, which refers to the same folded body shape used mid-flip rather than mid-jump.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Tuck jumps commonly appear within a routine's jump sequence, often used for visual variety alongside more extended jumps like a toe touch or pike jump.
What Judges Look For
Judges are generally looking for tight, high knees, good jump height, and - as with every jump - the whole team hitting the shape at exactly the same moment.
Related Jumps
The tuck jump is often shown alongside the toe touch and pike jump as part of a varied jump sequence.