How to Do a Cheerleading Deadman Dismount

The deadman is a basic cheerleading move which allows a cheerleader to dismount a stunt where they are higher than the rest of the team. Basically, you will fall forward or backward and be caught by 3 to 4 of your teammates. This is a dramatic move which really gets the crowd going.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Gain your center of gravity after finishing your last stunt. It is dangerous to attempt the deadman dismount without fully feeling that your body weight is under control. This will allow you to safely drop into the arms of the others without running the risk of being injured.
2. Signal to the rest of your team that you are beginning the deadman dismount. Most teams have verbal signals that alert that you are dropping and whether you are dropping forward or backward. Set up a communication system like this one if you do not already have one in place.
3. Check quickly to see that your teammates are lining up in formation to catch you before dropping. Ideally you will have 3 or 4 other people below you ready to act as a basket to catch your body when you perform the deadman dismount.
4. Fall with your body horizontally. This will give your teammates the most surface area to work with while catching you. Leaning too far forward or back can create a difficult situation where you can be dropped. Your back should be flat and stiff in order for the others to catch you.
5. Trust your teammates. This exercise requires that you believe in your fellow cheerleaders. Trust that they will catch you. If you are not relaxed and in a position of trust, you may hesitate or fall the wrong way.