★ Key Difference
A clap is a sharp, percussive flat-hand hit that makes sound and keeps rhythm.
A clasp is a held, silent hand position used to anchor a motion or signal a transition.
A clasp is a held, silent hand position used to anchor a motion or signal a transition.
Clap
The Sharp Center Hit
Flat hands together at center
Fingers straight and together
Elbows in, shoulders relaxed
Do: Keep hands flat and sharp — hit the motion quickly and cleanly
Don't: Let fingers separate or drop the elbows
Use it when
Marking counts
Starting/accenting chants
Adding a sharp visual cue
Clasp
The Centered Hold
Hands clasped under chin or near chest
Elbows in
Forearms angled upward
Do: Keep the clasp centered and hold shoulders relaxed
Don't: Hunch the shoulders or let hands drift low
Use it when
Holding a centered motion
Cheers & crowd leads
Transitions between sequences