How To Get A Cheerleader In The Air

Cheerleaders have always been the best at leading the crowd in cheers and cheering on other athletes at sporting events. Whether cheerleaders are tumbling across the field, performing a high energy dance or pumping fists during a cheer to appease the crowd, the sport of cheering is challenging and fun. According to the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators, cheerleading has evolved from being a popularity contest to building school unity and supporting other competitive athletic teams. In addition, it takes great skill and practice to be able to execute stunts that involve lifting a teammate up and even tossing them high into the air. Although many risks are involved, with proper mechanics, base support and individual total body strength, these eye-catching stunts can be performed successfully.

Tuck Arch Basket

Step 1

Have the top girl (one being tossed in the air) stand facing the audience. Place two girls on both sides of the top girl (facing the top girl) to serve as base support. Add a back spot to stand behind the top girl (facing the audience).

Step 2

The two base supports will form a basket toss grip. The top girl will mount the basket grip by placing her hands on each base support's shoulders by placing her right foot directly into the basket toss grip (base supports' hands).

Step 3

The back spot will grab the top girl's waist on both sides for additional support. The top girl can now safely take all her weight and hop up into the basket toss grip.

Step 4

While in the squat position, the base supports will use their leg power to toss the top girl up into the air as she uses her legs to push off the base supports' basket toss grip. The top girl will immediately go into a tuck position as she reaches maximum height.

Step 5

At maximum height, the top girl will switch positions to place her body into an arch (arms should remain by her side). The base supports will keep arms above their heads to slow down the top girl as gravity brings her back down.

Step 6

Finish by having the base supports catch the top girl in a cradle position. The top girl can now be safely placed onto the floor.

Tips and Warnings

To avoid thumb or finger injury, the back spot should scoop under the top girl's arms when catching her as well as keeping hands in a fist. Both base supports and back spot should stand with legs slightly farther than shoulder width apart to keep their knees from injuring the top girl's back.