Stunts are defined as building performances displaying a person's skill or dexterity.

Stunting in cheerleading has been previously referred to

as building pyramids. Stunts range from basic two-legged stunts to one-legged extended stunts and high flying basket tosses. There are
numerous variations of each stunt, multiple entries and dismounts out of the stunt. Stunts vary at each level (level 16 according to the
USASF). Each level increases the difficulty of the stunt. There are few recognized styles of stunting, coed, all-girl and hybrid. Cheerleading
teams are restricted to specific stunt rules based on the guidelines of certain associations and organizations. Therefore, some stunts can be
a permitted in certain divisions but illegal in others due to the different stunt regulations. The level of difficulty depends on where the teams
stunt and practice as well as the organization they are apart of since cheer associations want to maintain the safety of the cheerleaders by
restricting them to try stunts that are too advanced for their level.
Athletes involved
Flyer
This is the person that is in the air during a stunt. The flyer can also be referred to as the "top". The flyer must control their own weight by
keeping their abdominal muscles tight to stabilize the spinal column while in the air. In addition, they need to use their shoulders and their
upper bodies to pull their weight off their bases underneath them. They also need to lock out their legs. If they don't stay tight, there is a
greater risk of them becoming off of their center of balance and falling. They must keep a steady focus on what they are doing. A strong core
and good sense of balance are key qualities for a flyer to possess. Flyers may be extremely flexible and have a good sense of balance. In
order to do accomplish more advanced skills flyers need to be flexible so they can maintain their balance and position on one leg while
pulling other tricks with the other leg. Therefore, the more flexibility a flyer has the more successful their stunts will be. Flyers are typically the
shorter and leaner people on the team, but other members can act as a flyer depending on their exceptional abilities. The flyers must always
look up and never down. Flyers tend to look out, whether its into the crowd, or staring at a point on the wall but looking straight ahead will
help keep them balanced. If flyers feel like they are going to fall because they cannot hold their balance, be sure to stay tight by keeping l egs
and arms tight next to the body so they dont hit or hurt the cheerleaders under the flyer holding them in the air.
Bases and spotters
Bases are the athletes that hold the flyer or top in the air during the stunt. They are responsible for keeping their flyer i n the air, as well as
making sure she is safe at all times. Bases are very strong and are usually assigned together based on height to create level platform for the
flyer to perform an action. There are few recognized styles of stunting: coed, all-girl, and hybrid. There are no gender requirements for a
base, both males and females can be bases. Bases have the responsibility of carrying out the stunt and keeping the flyer in the air. The
bottom person needs to complete every stunt to the exact way its supposed to be preformed in order for it to work every single time,
especially when it needs to count the most in a sports game or a competition. Their most important tool is their legs because they use it too
extend cradles and basket tosses higher. Both bases at all times, should be looking at their flyer in the air because it is their responsibility to
hold them up and keep them safe. If at any time the flyer is falling, both bases should actively try to stop the flyer from touching the floor so
they dont get seriously injured. Spotters should stand behind the stunt with their hands together and ready to catch if the stunt for some
reason must come down.
Main base
This base has the majority of the flyer's foot and the majority of her weight. The main base will be almost directly under the stunt until it is
cradled or brought down. In a one leg extension stunt, the main base will lift the toe and heel of the foot to increase stability from moving
forwards or backwards. With single base extensions the main base with grip onto the heel of the flyers foot having a nice and stable
transition. The main base is the "powerhouse" of one legged stunts because she/he holds a majority of the weight but keeps their arms
somewhat towards the center of the stunt to share the rest of the weight with the secondary base. The main base cups the flyers foot from
toe to heel, creating a "floor" for the flyers foot and stability.
Secondary base
The term second base only applies when doing a one-legged stunt, this position can also be considered a "side base." The secondary bases
help lift the flyer up into the air and support the flyer's foot. The hand position for the side base can vary depending on preference. The more
common placement, which is also more reliable and sturdy, is to have one hand under the middle of the foot and the other hand pushing up
on the wrist of the main base to lift from underneath. The other approach is to have one hand under the middle of the foot and the other hand
on top of the foot for stability. The problem with keeping the hand on top of the stunt is that the side base can tend to push down on the stunt
instead of pulling up because they might not be as tall as the rest of the stunt to get their hand on top enough, which can create extra weight
for the other cheerleaders on the bottom of the stunt. The second base's hand positioning functions to lift and to stabilize the flyer's foot from
shifting from side to side.
Back Spot
The back spot is also called a "third". This is the person actively stabilizing the stunt from the back. They help to position the flyer in the
bases' hands upon entry. They support most of the weight of the flyer. They do so by using their hands to support the flyer's buttocks and
ankles, and then push her up into the air. Once in the air, they will hold the flyer's ankles with both hands, pulling the ankles up to loosen the
weight of the flyer for the bases and providing support. When the flyer cradles, they catch her under the arms to support the upper back and
neck area. Since the center of gravity for a flyer is their hips, the back spot will always look at the hips while the stunt is happening. The back
spot can determine the stability of the stunt by watching the flyer's hips. If the back spot follows the hips with her eyes, they can tell where the
rest of the body will followthat is why they must make sure that the hips are centered between the shoulders and ankles. If the flyer falls
backwards, it is crucial for the back to attempt to catch the head and shoulders to prevent head/spinal injury. Due to the back's
responsibilities, they are generally the tallest members of the team.
Front spot
This is the person standing in front of the stunt facing the back base preventing the flyer from falling forward. The front spot often provides
extra support to wrists of the bases in higher stunts such as extensions. The front spot has somewhat of the job of the back spot. Though the
front spot is there, a flyer should never fall forward, rather backwards. There is not always a front spot in a stunt, and many squads only use
front spots for basket tosses because it helps to throw straight upwards and gives the stunt more height. Front spots are typically the smaller,
weaker people of the squad, who have not been trained or are not flexible enough to fly, and are also not at the right height and strength to
side or back. Front spots increase the stability of a stunt.
Additional (hands-off) spotter
This person does not actually touch the stunt unless something goes wrong. The free standing spot can stand behind, in front, or beside the
stunt. Eyes stay on the stunt at all times even though the stunt is not touched unless the flyer is falling. If spotter must touch a stunt, points
are deducted.
Two-leg stunts
This stunt uses both bases, a backspot, and a flyer. Sometimes a front spot.
Prep or Extension Prep
A stunt in which the flyer stands on two bases' hands and is risen up to chin length height. The flyer may put her arms up. The prep
is also called an "elevator" "double-base" "mini" or "half" in some regions. To enter into this skill, the bases should dip together. The
most common way that this is done is with the back spot to count, One, two, down, up. The bases dip together on the down count
and push through the legs and arms on the up count. An extension prep is the same thing as a prep but now the bases and back
spots arms are fully extended straight up. Keep in mind that for the flyer to be comfortable and stable in this stunt the bases should
be spaced fairly close to together in order for the flyers legs to be shoulder with apart.
Cupie or Platform
The Cupie is almost identical to the full extension except that the flyer's feet are together, in one hand of a single base or with one
foot each in the hands of two bases. In a partner stunt the difference between a cupie and an awesome has to do with what the
male is doing with his free hand. If the free hand is on the hip then it is a cupie, if the free hand is in a high V then it is an awesome.
Extension
In an Extension, also known as a "full", the flyer stands with each foot in the hands of a base while her arms are in an extended
overhead position. The back can either hold the ankles of the flyer, or support the wrists of the bases depending on state rules. In a
single-based stunt, the base will hold both of the flyer's feet above his or her head, with their arms locked.
Split-lift or Teddy Sit
The flier is in a seated straddle with the two side bases holding one hand on her thigh and one on her ankle. The back base holds
up her butt with her hands and holds most of the weight. This stunt is sometimes called a straddle sit. The flexibility of the flyer is
tested in this stunt because the appearance and the impressiveness of this stunt depends on how far apart the bases can spread
the flyers legs to create a better visual appearance. Along with that, flyer needs to keep their legs straight to help their bases and
make sure their butt doesnt sag to not put too much pressure on the back spot.
Thigh stand
A thigh stand is one of the simplest stunts. The bases kneel on one leg or are in a lunge position with their front knees bent in order
to make it easier for the flyer to stand. The bases have their feet touching each other by the sides of their shoes. The back spot will
hold the flyer at the waist. She will then jump onto the pocket of the bases' thighs.The bases will then grasp their far hand on the toe
of the flyer's foot and the closet arm around their leg and keep it close to their bodies so the flyer is secure within the stunt.
Shoulder stand
In a shoulder stand, somebody stands on another person's shoulders. The base grabs their calves or ankles. To get out of this
stunt, the base must pop the flyer forward catching them by their hips and slowly lowering the top to the floor.
Shoulder sit
In a shoulder sit, the flyer sits on the base's shoulders and wraps her feet around the base's waist. There are many ways to enter
into a shoulder sit, the most common is for the base to bend one knee while the flyer stands behind the base and places one foot on
the base's bent leg and puts their hands on the base's shoulders to make it easier to pop into the stunt. Once the flyer and the base
are ready, they both dip on the same count and the flyer will extend their arms and wrap their other leg that was on the ground
around the base's shoulder, the base will focus on getting the other leg secure on their shoulder. To exit out of this stunt, the base
must hold the flyers hands while dipping and popping them off the base's shoulders. The flyer will land on the floor behind the base.
Leapin' Lora
The backspot is in a "rock" position, the flyer then jumps on the back of the backspot and bounces into the bases' hands.
Steppers
The main base brings the flyers left foot to belly button level, then the side bass brings her right leg to half, then the main base lifts
the foot to full, and the side base lifts the right foot to full. While doing this the back base is holding the flyers ankles and is helping
each base pull up. This stunt looks like the flyer is climbing up stairs and is also called 'Step Up'.
Body positions
All of the body positions can be done at prep or extension level.
Liberty (lib)
One (or more) base(s) holds up the flyer by the standing foot (usually the right foot) and the flyer balances weight on the standing
leg. The flyer's other leg is bent at a 90 degree angle, and the toe is pointed and touching the right knee. This stunt is named for the
way it looks similar to the Statue of Liberty. The name of this stunt is often shortened to 'Lib'.
One man
This stunt is done with one base but other bases may be present to ease mounting. The flyer begins standing in front of the base.
The base grabs the cheerleader's waist and the flyer puts their hands on their base's wrists to help push off. The base counts "1, 2"
and throws the flyer up as high as possible, catching the middle of her feet at either chest level or full position. There are many
variations that make this an elite stunt, such as adding a spin or tuck at the base throws.
Scorpion
One or more bases holds up the flyer by the right foot and the flyer balances weight on the straightened right leg. The flyer then
grabs the loose foot and bends that leg upward behind the body until the toes are close to the back of the head, in a position
resembling a scorpion's tail. The foot is secured in place by the opposite hand. A more advanced variation of the scorpion is the
"Chin-hold," where the flyer tucks her foot underneath her own chin and holds.
Scale
One or more bases extend right foot. The flyer's other leg is held by his/her hand to the side and the leg is fully extended. The
position is similar to the Scorpion, but one of the flyer's hands holds her ankle or calf (instead of her toes) and the other arm is in the
High V position. Sometimes also called a 6 o'clock, or needle. When the flyer does the scale, the flyer would want to grab by the
ankle and pull her leg into the scale.
Torch
The same thing as doing a liberty, except executed with the torso facing to the side.
Heel stretch
It is a stunt in which the base/bases holds one foot of the flyer while she holds the other foot in her hand and brings it beside her
head. Flyer's flexibility is very important for this skill in order for the stunt to look impressive as well as the flyer to be able to hold her
balance.
Bow and arrow
Variation of a heel stretch. The flyer grabs her left foot with the right hand, and pulls her leg straight up beside her head. Then she
pulls her left arm and upper torso through the hole the leg and arm made, holding it straight. This is another skill that take an
enormous amount of flexibility because the flyer needs to hold her foot above her head parallel with her body. A bow and arrow is an
advanced stunt that takes much practice and preparation before the flyer can try it.
Cobra
Variation of a bow and arrow. With the left foot still held by the right hand, the flyer wraps her left arm around her leg so her hand is
behind her head. Then she grabs her left hand with her right hand, pulling her straight leg closer to her face.
Needle
A needle is a variation of a scorpion. It is when the flyer is in a scorpion but the leg you are holding is completely straight and your
arms are completely straight. Before starting this stunt, it is a good idea for the bases to stretch out their flyer's back and legs by
holding her chest and one of her legs and pushing them together. By doing this, the flyer will be more prepared to pull the skill in the
air.
Arabesque
From a lib, the flyer points their leg out behind them and attempt to turn their hip socket out so when the leg is out straight, the side
of the leg is facing the audience and their arms are in a "T" position. The flyer needs to arch their back too, so her torso is semi-
straight up if not, too much of her weight will be tilted downward/too far forward and so the flyer along with the rest of the stunt will
fall forward. The stunt group (the cheerleaders on the bottom) are usually facing the side so the audience will see the side of the
flyer's body. But the flyer should always to remember to look at the crowd even though they are not facing straight.
Hitch
A hitch is a variation of the prep or extension. Usually in a pyramid. 35 people form a hitch pyramid. The two out-side flyers are
usually on one girl's shoulders (in a shoulder sit). The two middle flyers are in an extension and give their left or right foot
(depending which side) to the girl in the middle who holds the feet by her shoulders. This can also be done in a prep stunt, where
one base stays at prep level and the other goes up to extension.
No-hands/Chin Chin/Cry Baby
The flyer takes her foot, bends it under her chin, then lets it sit there with any helping hands.
Running table-top
When four flyers are bent over with a flat back like table-tops and the other flyer that is in a half quickly runs across their backs and
goes into a half on the other side
Chair
The basis for the stunt is for the base to lift the flyer onto their palm, which they then extend upwards into a Liberty position. To enter
into this stunt, the base must use proper toss technique; which is popping the flyer in the air follow through leaving the ri ght arm
extended while dropping your left arm to your chest. The top persons hips should be a couple of inches above your extended arms
at the end of your toss. If the tops hips are any lower, you will catch the flyer with your arm bent and be forced to press the chair up.
While the flyer is lowering down, spot for their seat and grab the left ankle for balance. Make sure to keep the right arm overhead
pressed against your ear, for stability, and locked out you also want to keep the flyers left leg in close to the body to help balance
the stunt. When you catch the chair, absorb with your legs (not your arm) to take the pressure off of the landing. As a flyer, jump
slightly back over your base, bend your right leg, and assume a chair position. In the chair, your right leg should be resting on the
bases right forearm, your shoulders are directly over your hips, and your left leg should be positioned slightly in front of your hip.
The flyer stunts with her arms and free leg, usually by putting her foot in a 90-degree angle making a liberty pose and her arms in a
high V position.
Pretty Girl
When the bases put the flyer in an extended position or half, and when the flyer gets thrown into the air, the flyer puts her hand
behind her head and lifts her leg into the lib position while in the air. Another way of doing this stunt is by going into a liberty position
and placing your hands on your knee like a proper "pretty girl" or with one hand on your knee and the other behind your head or on
your hip.
Basket toss
The basic basket toss is not a difficult skill, but it is one that involves significant risk if not performed properly.
[3]
Flyer is thrown from
a set position or also called "smush" where the flyer then hits a position with her legs in the air and her arms are extended reaching
for the maximum height possible then hitting a pose or hand position then landing in a cradle position. The bases support the flyer's
feet with their hands held on to one of their own wrists and one wrist of the other base. The flyer's feet are placed side by side on
top of the bases' hands. The backspot is supporting the flyer by holding onto her thighs. If a front spot is used, they will place their
hands underneath the basket to add height to the toss.
Basket toss positions
Toe-touch basket
The flyer is thrown from an extension where she fully extends her arms by her ears, using her shoulders to set up. Then, at the peak
of the toss, the flyer will bring both of her legs to her chest. Her legs are straddled and straight, parallel to the ground, with her toes
pointed; her hands are in fists or blades and arms in a "T" motion. After executing this pose in the basket, the flyer will squeeze her
legs together to land in a cradle position.
Pike basket
The flyer is thrown from an extension where she fully extends her arms by her ears, using her shoulders to set up. Then, at the peak
of the toss, the flyer will bring her chest to her knees and her knees to her chest (her body is now in a folded position).
Subsequently, on the way down, the flyer will then arch her back (unfold) and land in a cradle position.
Kick-single/Double full basket
This is an advanced level basket toss skill that is legal at the high school level. The flyer is thrown from an extension where she fully
extends her arms by her ears, using her shoulders to set up. At the peak of the toss, the flyer will kick their left leg up while their
arms make an L-like motion (left arm in a punch, right arm in candlesticks), she will spin either once or twice by wrapping her leg
over and looking the way she is spinning with her head, depending on the basket. The bases and back spot wait with arms extended
to catch the top girl in the cradle. They remain in the same position the entire time. After executing the body position, the flyer will
snap their legs back together for the cradle. The bases will begin to slow the flyer into the cradle as soon as they make contact with
her body. As they catch, they will absorb with their legs to ease the pressure of gravity coming down on them. Like a regular cradle,
the flyer pikes her body, keeping her shoulders up and catching herself on her bases shoulders.
[3]

Straight ride basket
The flyer is thrown from an extension where she fully extends her arms by her ears, using her shoulders to set up. Then, the flyer
will stand slightly at a diagonal. After doing this, the flyer will land in a cradle position. This is the most basic position for all basket
tosses and is usually used as a warm-up for stunts groups before they actually try the harder basket tosses.
Two-and-a-half high stunts
A 2 high pyramid Wolf Wall
The A-Frame High Split
Swedish Fall High Chair (also high hands, libs, cupie. Etc.)
2-2-1
2-1-1 (Technically a 3 high pyramid if the top flier is in an extended stunt but still considered legal)
Table Top
Tips and Warning in Cheerleading
Why Is Cheerleading Safety Important?
Cheerleading has been called "the world's most dangerous sport." Although that nickname is a bit dramatic, cheerleading isa leading cause
of sports injuries. The most common injuries to feet, ankles, and legs are usually not serious. But cheerleaders also can get neck and
back injuries. These types of injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, so practicing and competing in a safe way can really protect you. The
rise in popularity of cheerleading in recent years has led to an increased number of injuries. The gymnastic-type maneuvers involved in
cheerleading are largely responsible for most of these. Until recently, cheerleading wasn't recognized as an official sport. So it wasn't subject
to the same safety regulations. Fortunately, that's starting to change. As a result, severe injuries among cheerleaders in 2007 were at their
lowest level since 2001.
Choose a Safe Place to Practice
Most cheerleading injuries happen during practice. When you're working on your maneuvers and skills, it's super important to have a
safe place to practice. Find a facility with floors that absorb impact well like spring floors or 4-inch-thick landing mats on top of foam floors.
Never practice on a basketball court or other hard surface. Also, always check out the space where you'll be practicing to ensure it's smooth,
level, dry, and clear of any objects that might interfere with your performance.
1. The most important element of your appearance is your attitude. Smile genuinely -- the judges can spot a plastered-on smile a mile away.
Relax, be yourself, and have fun out there. Be confident and carry yourself with poise. Also, be attentive to the judges requests and make
eye contact as much as possible.
2. Make smart clothing choices. Find out if there is a requirement for attire and make sure you follow it. Wear clothes that fit. Baggy clothes
look sloppy, and you dont want to be constantly adjusting for an outfit that is too tight. Also, you dont want your clothes to detract in any way
from your skills. Wear your hair in a ponytail or any other neat way of pulling your hair away from your face. Tuck your shirt in no matter how
much better you think it is to leave it un-tucked. Make sure to attach your tryout number to a visible spot on your outfit if not already assigned
a spot.
3. Get your beauty sleep. The night before the tryouts, get a good nights sleep. You dont want to look exhausted!
4. During the tryout, take your time. Dont rush. Dont think about the whole tryout at once; take one element at a time. Dont worry about
trying to remember the cheer while you are doing your toe-touch. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you can do it!
5. If you mess up, keep going. Dont giggle, get frustrated or angry. Everyone makes mistakes, and how well you handle it will reflect on
your ability to deal with setbacks.
6. Be loud, but dont scream. Enunciate each word loudly and clearly. Avoid woo-hoo-ing for your entrance. Instead, opt for a Go Lions!
7. During the clinic, try to make new friends, especially if youre new on the team. Work hard and take advantage of the expertise of others
trying out or running the clinic. Be open to trying new things. The best cheerleaders are versatile; they can be a base, a top, or a spotter. You
never know, the coach may be evaluating your attitude and how well you work with others. Pair up with someone to work with throughout
tryout week. They will be able to critique on your motions and skills, theyll provide you with encouragement, and having a friend will make
tryout day a little less scary!
8. Practice cheers/dances in front of a mirror when you get home to make sure your motion placement is correct. Clean up your jumps and
tumbling skills. Point your toes, stick your landing. A sloppy toe-touch or back handspring is going to cost you points. If youre going to do it,
do it well.
9. Different schools have different score sheets. Talk with the coach before tryouts. Find out how the score sheet is weighted. Some
squads dont put a lot of importance on jumps or tumbling. Dont waste hours perfecting your herkie and forget about the cheer when the
cheer is worth 30 more points than jumps.
10. Dont try anything you arent comfortable doing. You can get hurt! If youre unsure of your ability to do a back handspring at tryouts,
dont do it. Stick to what you are confident with, and you will do well. The judges are looking for confidence as well as ability.