How to Protect a Cheerleading Stunting Partner

Throw up your stunts with extra safety with the tips in this article!

Cheerleading is a sport, and with the variety of tumbling, jumps and stunts that cheerleaders perform, it is essential that each cheerleader adheres to safety regulations. When stunting during games or competitions, each cheerleader must know his or her role within the stunt and protect each other. When stunts go wrong and safety isn't a priority, serious injuries or death can result. Read on to find out how to protect a cheerleading stunting partner.

Instructions

How to Protect a Cheerleading Stunting Partner

1. Know your role in the stunt. Each cheerleader should be aware of what their job is and who they must protect within each stunt. If you are a base, your job is to hold up, catch and protect the top person in the stunt. If you're a spotter, your job is to catch the top person if the base doesn't, and essentially, protect the base.

2. Practice, practice, practice. Stunts are complicated and shouldn't be thrown together the night before a game. The more you practice, the quicker you will be able to react if a stunt falls. As you practice, this will happen often and will better prepare you for mistakes during a game.

3. Keep your eyes open and pay attention. Distractions are not an option when you're tossing a cheerleader in the air, or when throwing up a stunt.

4. Catch the top person at all costs and think quick on your feet. If you're a base and you're feeling wobbly or weak as you're holding the top person in the air, prepare them for a catch position and bring them down safely.

5. Stay calm. If you're a top person in a stunt, and the stunt goes awry, it is your responsibility to fall in a cradle position (as best you can). This position allows a base to catch you. So, if you don't fall in this position, it could cause your base to have difficulty catching you or hurt themselves while they are catching you.