How to Practice Cheerleading Stunts

The most impressive and challenging moves in cheerleading are the stunts in which flyers are lifted up and thrown in the air by their teammates. Only after taking the time to master basic positions should a cheerleading squad attempt these skills under the direct help and approval of the coach.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Experienced coach
• Routine
• Spotters
• Mats
• Bases
• Basic positions
• Flyers
• Gym

Practice Cheerleading Stunts

1. Before practicing any cheerleading moves, you must warm up. Walk or job lightly for 5 minutes, then perform a series of all over body stretches. Remember to breathe steadily while you stretch and take enough time to do this gently so you don't strain your muscles with a hurried stretch session.
2. Develop good communication skills. Stunts require communication between those performing the stunt.
3. Choose which role each cheerleader will play— flyers or bases. Flyers are usually small and light because they get lifted and tossed in the air. Bases must be strong and stable because they lift, hold and throw the flyers.
4. Devote extra bases to act as spotters in case a flyer falls. Even squads that are very experienced always have spotters ready to help in case someone becomes unsteady.
5. Be sure you have an experienced coach supervising the entire time. Some stunts can be very difficult and dangerous. Stunts should only be done after you practice and perfect the basic positions.
6. Follow the rules in order to keep safe. For example, cheerleaders in some states cannot perform a full extension stunt until they reach their senior year in high school. These rules were created to prevent unnecessary risk to younger cheerleaders as well as ensure the safety of all cheerleaders during practice at events and competitions.
7. Create and practice a spectacular dismount. For most lifts, getting down is as difficult as getting up. Dismounts must be smooth and safe, but also exciting for the crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use two to three bases and spotters for a dismount.
• Bring some energy snacks and water to practice and events.
• Try to practice with the same people on a regular basis to develop trust.
• Never practice cheerleading stunts unsupervised.
• Don't try new moves without prior approval from the coach.
• Injury resulting from improper stretching or not following instructions can cause a missed practice or game, so be sure to stretch well before every cheerleading activity.