Cheerleading stunts involve expertise and practice. Properly executed they can add excitement to your cheers and routines. The top person in a stunt should learn several different positions in order to master a variety of stunts. Practice all of these positions on the ground before attempting them in the air. Never stunt without the supervision of a qualified cheer coach.
Two-Foot Positions
Stunts such as thigh stand, elevator, extension and cupie require the top person to execute a position balanced on two feet. In a thigh stand, your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width apart. In an elevator and an extension, your feet should be about hip width apart. For a cupie, your feet should be together. In all of these body positions, make sure to pull your abdominal muscles in and squeeze your buttocks muscles together. Keep your legs straight and your hips even.
Chair
A chair is a partner stunt. It can be done co-ed with just one base and a top person or all-girl by adding a front base. In a chair, the top person sits on the hand of the back base. The top person bends the leg on the same side as the hand the base has extended to support her. The top person's other leg should remain straight with the toe pointed. The top person should strive to keep the foot of her bent leg near her straight leg. Never rest that foot on the base.
Liberty
A liberty is a one-foot stunting position. It requires a high degree of balance. Master this stunting position on the ground before attempting it in the air. To prepare to be extended in the air, also master the position while standing on a pillow or balance cushion to help you prepare for the balance changes that occur in the air. Stand on one leg. Bend your free leg until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Keep your free foot close to your standing leg but not touching it.
Heel Stretch
Another basic one-foot stunting position is the heel stretch. This position requires not only balance but also flexibility. Master this position on the ground before trying it in the air. Start out lying on your back to use gravity to your advantage. Lift one leg into the air and cup the heel of that leg in your same hand. Keep your extended leg straight and off to the side. Make sure that your bottom leg stays straight and against the ground. Next progress to attempting the same position while standing on the ground, finally executing it at the top of an extended stunt.
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