A pendulum is an impressive cheerleading stunt that requires a minimum of nine cheerleaders but is more safely done with 11. The name "pendulum" comes from the fact that this stunt requires the top person to fall forward and back with a straight body position, reminiscent of a clock arm swinging back and forth. This stunt should not be attempted until the group of cheerleaders has exhibited consistent mastery of the lead-up stunt, a half-elevator, also known as an extension prep.
Half-Elevator
Step 1
Have your main bases face each other with their feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. They should clap their hands together, open them while keeping the outside edges touching, and hold them at belly button level. Your back base should grab your waist. Place your hands on your bases' shoulders. Rise up on the balls of your feet in a ready position.
Step 2
Initiate your stunt by dipping down and jumping off the ground. Hold your weight in your arms, gently placing your feet in your bases' hands; meanwhile, your back base should lift up on your waist to help with the load-in.
Step 3
Ride the bounce as all of your bases dip down. Your main bases should lift up with their legs first, use their butt muscles next and finally use their arms to push you up. Your back base lifts you up by the waist. Push hard off your bases' shoulders and ride the stunt up, straightening out your body as you ascend.
Step 4
Stay tight as your bases lift your feet to their eye-level prior to settling them down to shoulder level. Remain tight with your arms squeezed into your sides. Your back base should step to the side to join the other back catchers.
Pendulum
Step 1
Cross your arms in front of your chest as two catchers line up on each side of the stunt. You should have four catchers in front and four catchers in back. All catchers should have their arms raised and be ready to catch.
Step 2
Fall back into the arms of the back catchers, keeping your body completely straight and tight. As the back catchers absorb your weight, they will dip down and throw you back up toward the elevator position.
Step 3
Swing through the elevator position with a tight and straight body, keeping your arms crossed in front of your chest.
Step 4
Fall forward into the arms of the front catchers, making sure not to let your body arch. Again as you are caught, the catchers will dip down, absorbing your weight and tossing you back up toward the elevator position.
Step 5
Swing back and forth as many times as planned before ending the stunt in an elevator position.
Step 6
Dismount with a pop down to your feet or a cradle, caught in the arms of your main bases and back base.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your abdominal muscles pulled in tight during this entire stunt to maintain a straight body position.
- Never stunt without the supervision of a qualified cheer coach.
References
- "Cheer Coach & Advisor Magazine"; AACCA Releases Cheerleading Rules for High School and Younger; May 11, 2010
- Varsity: Skills and Drills - Stunting Basics - Stunt Dictionary
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Glossary of Cheerleading Stunting Terms
- American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Advisors: 2011-12 School Cheerleading Rules
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