How to Do a Split Mount for Cheerleading

Stunt work is one of the most athletic tasks a cheerleading squad can do in competition or at a game. One of the advanced level stunts is called the split mount. It is actually a combination of two stunts put together and requires flyers (those who get lifted into the air) and bases (those who hold and lift the flyers).

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Cheerleading coach or instructor
• 8 bases
• Floor mats
• 3 flyers

Do the Thigh Stand Mount

1. Direct three sets of two bases to lunge toward each other and turn sideways (in a triangle formation).
2. Let each set of two bases lift a flyer into the air (holding her by the arms) and have her place each leg to stand on each bases thigh. Flyers must be very flexible and light.
3. Face one another. Two flyers should be facing each other with the third flyer to their side.

The Split Mount for Cheerleading

4. Add two more bases to the stunt once the group is in the thigh mount formation.
5. Instruct the two flyers facing each other to hold onto one arm each of the third flyer.
6. The two new bases should lift the third flyer by the ankles then release once her legs begin to extend, one each on top of the other two flyers' shoulders.
7. Stabilization of the splitting flyer should be done by the two thigh mounted flyers.

Dismount for the Split Mount

8. The flyers should bounce up the splitted flyer so she can drop her legs back down to the additional two bases who helped her up. They should lower her to the thighs of the other bases so she is even with her mount team.
9. Grasp the hands of the bases and bounce into the air to get off the thighs, landing on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• You must perfect each of the individual stunts before attempting a combination.
• Be sure that every flyer bends her knees when dismounting to the floor.
• Tighten all muscles for stability when mounting.
• Breathe through the entire mount. Holding your breath may cause you to lose balance.
• Advanced level squads typically incorporate males into their squad to act as bases.
• Do not attempt this stunt without supervision.
• Never practice advanced moves without a floor mat for safety.
• Avoid over practicing advanced stunts. Muscles become tired after a certain period of time and the stunt can become too dangerous if breaks are not taken.