How to Do a Step Down Dismount in Cheerleading

A step down dismount is one of the most challenging moves in cheerleading. The flyer and the throwers are asked to work together to defy gravity. While this move takes a great deal of practice, it is one of the most breathtaking ones to watch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Have your teammates hold you underneath and by the wrists. This is to ensure you get an under control toss in order to perform this move. The throwing team will bend at the knees in order to give you the needed momentum.
2. Hold your body tense so when the team springs upward and releases you, you are under control and can begin your trick. It is important that the team is in sync so you can be launched in a horizontal motion.
3. Pull your right arm across the front of your body quickly. Swing your left arm behind the back in a similar motion. This will begin your twisting motion. Ideally you will spin completely around in a 360-degree motion while rising and falling.
4. Time your trick so that once you have your back to the ground you have almost completely fallen back down. Unlock your arms so they are at your sides like when you began. Let your team catch you.
5. Disperse quickly if this is part of a longer routine, as you and your teammates will need to move into other positions to complete other tricks.