Cheerleader flyers are the equivalent of trapeze artists in a circus. Flyers are the daredevils tossed high into the air in the elaborate stunts performed by cheerleading teams. The stunts have gotten more intricate -- and dangerous -- in the first decade of the 21st century and flying routines have become somewhat controversial. Although stringent safety measures are in effect, and spotters are required to help catch and protect flyers, many stunts are intrinsically dangerous. Injuries are commonplace, and flyers have even died after a stunt gone wrong.
General Tips
The Cheerleading Info Center offers a number of general and specific tips for flyers. General tips include the following advice. Be confident -- don't just appear confident, but actually feel confident, because a lack of confidence can lead to injuries. Look up at the crowd. Sell the stunt with your facial expressions and sharp motions. Practice in a mirror at home on the ground to ensure your posture is correct. If you are falling, use the word: "Down!" Never attempt a stunt that you are not experienced enough to perform.
Stay Tight
It is essential that a flyer stays "tight," with her muscles tightened up. This makes your body feel lighter for your base, the people you climb up and over to prepare for your launch. To stay tight, imagine that you have a penny between your butt cheeks. Squeeze your butt cheeks together so the penny doesn't fall out. This will cause all of your muscles to tighten.
Flexibility and Balance
To be a successful flyer, you must be extremely flexible, which requires a daily stretching routine. Practice splits on both sides. When this becomes easy, put your front foot on a step and do splits with the foot elevated. To improve your balance, stand on a level surface and lift one leg like a flamingo. Hold the position for at least 30 seconds. Other balancing exercise include putting only the balls of your feet on the edge of a chair and maintaining that position.
Safety Tips
Always warm up before practicing stunts. Understand the mechanics and the risks of every stunt you perform. Try new or difficult stunts towards the start of practice when you are not fatigued. Never attempt a new stunt on your own. Keep your arms up when you are falling -- a flying elbow can injure the people on the base or throw you off-balance. Know how to fall correctly.
Member Comments