How to Do an Extension Cradle in Cheerleading

Executing a cradle from a full extension mount is an advanced cheerleading stunt and only experienced cheerleaders should attempt it. For the intermediate to advanced cheerleader squad, it's a showy finish to an impressive aerial stunt.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Position one cheerleader base on either side of the flyer. Have at least one spotter stand behind the flyer. If this is the first time your squad has attempted this stunt, position a spotter in front as well, but make sure she stands clear of the flyer's legs during the dismount.
2. Instruct the spotter to place her right foot in the right base's hands. The flyer balances herself with her hands on both bases' shoulders. The back spotter bends down to grasp the flyer's left ankle.
3. Lift the flyer's left ankle into the left base's hands. The back spotter then grasps both the flyer's ankles.
4. Extend both bases' arms straight into the air with the flyer balanced in their hands. The spotter grasps the flyer's legs as high as he can.
5. Align both bases' bodies directly beneath the flyer's legs. The bases stand as close together as they can without touching. The bases look up at the flyer.
6. Spring the flyer into the air. The flyer descends in a sitting position, with both legs straight, together and raised slightly in front of her body. Form a cradle with the bases' arms. As the flyer descends, the spotter grasps her under each arm.
7. Propel the flyer forward and lift her slightly so she can dismount from the cradle in a standing position.

Tips & Warnings

• Cheerleading coaches should supervise all stunt practices.