How to Do a Liberty in Cheerleading

The decision to advance a cheer squad to the level of being able to do a liberty mount is an impressive and spectacular stunt. This stunt requires at least three bases and one flyer, and involves the bases lifting the flyer above shoulder height. When done correctly, a liberty is dramatic and eye catching.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Three bases
• Experienced cheerleading coach or instructor
• One flyer
• Floor mats

Base Basics

1. Place your feet shoulder width apart for balance. Your responsibility is to lift, throw and hold the flyer, so you have to be stable at all times.

2. Stay in contact with the flyer at all times, both verbally and physically.

3. Agree on a countdown method before lifting or lowering a flyer.

Flyer Basics

4. Keep your knees in a locked position so your legs stay straight. If your legs become loose it is nearly impossible for the base to hold you up.

5. Keep your back straight and do not lean forward or backward. The base will be able to balance you better this way.

6. Move the arms in a flowing, smooth manor. It is important that everything you do is calculated and sharp to prevent wobbling or falling.

Do a Liberty in Cheerleading

7. Use three bases and one flyer to prepare for the stunt.

8. Allow the two bases on the side to grab a hold of one of the flyer's legs (near the ankle). The third base will be behind the flyer and place one hand just below the flyer's buttocks and the other on the flyer's calf for support.

9. All three bases should then lift the flyer up, with the back base sliding both hands in support of the calf and the two side bases supporting the bottom of one of the flyer's legs.

10. The flyer should bend one leg so that the toes touches the straight leg's knee and place her arms in a "V" position high above her head (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• The flyer should dismount the stunt the same way she is lifted up. Be sure there is coordinated counting between the bases and flyers before performing the stunt.
• Practice the cheerleading stunt in pieces, perfecting the single leg mount before attempting the liberty position.
• Extra bases should be added at times and act as spotters in case the flyer falls.
• Flyers must avoid jerky arm or leg movements while in the air. This will destabilize the base's balance and put the flyer at risk of falling.

Resources

• View a picture of a liberty

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