When a stunt goes up, the crowd's attention is on the flyer. Many cheerleaders want to fly to get the glory, and they wrongly assume they will just be lifted in the air by the bases. The role of top person is active and requires strength, balance, and agility. Regardless of the stunt your group is attempting, there are certain techniques you must employ to fly successfully. Work hard to master these basics and you will deserve that spot of glory.
Powerful Controlled Load-in Position
Step 1
Start with your hands on the bases' shoulders.
Step 2
Jump hard off the ground with one or both feet, dependent upon the stunt. Land gently in the hands of the bases, accurately placing your feet so they do not have to reach for them.
Step 3
Use your arms to support most of your body weight. Ride the dip of the bases down and then push hard off their shoulders, shoving yourself into the air.
Step 4
Shrug up with your shoulders as the stunt ascends, playing an active role in building the stunt. Keep your feet close together in two-foot stunts and never allow your feet to turn out or in.
Balancing a Stunt
Step 1
Keep your eyes level. Never look down in a stunt.
Step 2
Pull your abdominal muscles in and squeeze your buttocks to steady a stunt in the air. If a stunt is unsteady, do not flail your arms. Hold them tight in the desired arm motion or squeeze them to your sides until the stunt steadies.
Step 3
Squeeze hard with your buttocks to keep your body tight and pull your legs together in two-foot stunts.
Step 4
Center your ankle in a straight position, not allowing it to roll. This is especially important for one-foot stunts.
Cradling
Step 1
Ride the pop your bases give you to cradle the stunt. Shrug your shoulders up, lifting your body even higher.
Step 2
Pull your belly button up at the height of your cradle, as if someone had a string tied to it and lifted you by it. Do not, however, allow your back to arch.
Step 3
Squeeze your arms along your sides and descend in a straight body position.
Step 4
Spread your arms out slightly as you reach your bases and catch yourself by grabbing your bases around the shoulders. Allow your body to pike into their arms, keeping your body tight and in a perfect V-shape.
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