Stunting is an exciting part of cheerleading because it catches the attention of the crowd, which allows you time to get them to cheer with you. A shoulder sit is a basic cheerleading stunt every cheerleader should master. It involves a top person sitting on the shoulders of a base in direct contact with the ground. Shoulder sits are often used to brace more difficult stunts such as hitches and to connect components of a pyramid.
Base
Step 1
Start in a deep lunge with the toe of your straight leg pointing forward. Point the toe of your bent leg out to the side, keeping the knee of that leg over your ankle.
Step 2
Grab the top person's leg just above the knee when she steps onto your thigh. Use the same arm as your bent leg and make sure to keep your other arm dangling behind your straight leg.
Step 3
Dip with the top person and stand up as she swings her leg over your shoulder. End with your feet hip-width apart and your hands grasping the top person's thighs, pulling her down to secure her to your shoulders.
Step 4
Grab the top person's hands between her legs by reaching your hands underneath her legs. Dip down on the specified count and pop the top person off your shoulders.
Step 5
End with your hands above your head and your arms bent, keeping your biceps near your head. If necessary, bend your legs to match the height of your top person when she is on the ground.
Backspot
Step 1
Stand behind the top person with your hands on her hips.
Step 2
Dip with the base and top person. Assist the top person in climbing up into the shoulder sit. Keep your hands on her hips until she is firmly seated on the base's shoulders.
Step 3
Return your hands to the top person's hips. Dip with the stunt again and resist against the top person, easing her gently to the ground. Do not release the top person until she is steady on the ground.
Top Person
Step 1
Stand behind the base with both hands on the base's shoulders.
Step 2
Lift your foot and step onto the base's thigh. Use the same leg as the base has bent.
Step 3
Dip down at the same time as the base and step up, locking the leg you are using to stand on the base's thigh. After you have locked out your leg, swing your other leg over the base's shoulder, sitting on her shoulders as she stands up. Hit the desired arm motion.
Step 4
Stretch your legs straight out in front of you. Reach your hands down between your legs on the designated count. Grab the base's hands firmly.
Step 5
Keep your elbows locked as the base pops you off her shoulders. Swing your legs together and land with both feet together. Continue to grasp the base's hands until both of your feet are firmly on the ground.
Tips and Warnings
- Master the step-lock technique with a thigh stand prior to attempting a shoulder sit.
- Practice all stunts only under the supervision of a qualified coach.
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