In cheerleading, stunting is when one or more cheerleaders lift or toss another cheerleader into the air. Stunts can make your cheers and routines more exciting. Stay safe by adopting a serious attitude toward stunting. Learn techniques in proper sequence, mastering beginner technique before advancing to more difficult stunting, and always practice under the supervision of a qualified cheer coach.
Step and Lock
The first beginner technique a top person must master is the step and lock technique. This is a very valuable technique that will help you learn how control your own body weight when stunting. You can learn and practice this technique by doing a step-up drill. You need a base and a spotter for this drill. As the base lunges deeply, place your same side foot in the pocket formed by the base's thigh and hip and have the spotter grab your waist firmly. With your hands firmly placed on the base's shoulders, step up onto the base's thigh, using your hands to help push yourself up. Locking your supporting leg and with your hands still on the base's shoulders, balance with your free leg dangling behind the base's back.
Dip and Ride
A dip and ride technique is another top person technique and used in many stunts, such as an elevator, a ground up liberty and a basket toss. Learning how to properly execute this technique will help you top more difficult stunts. When you load into one of these types of stunts, your bases will need to dip down deeply to initiate the power for the stunt. As they dip, ride the dip down while using your hands on their shoulders to support your weight. As the bases' lift you up, ride the bounce they are giving you by shrugging up with your shoulders and pulling your abdominal muscles in tight toward your spine. Squeeze the muscles of your butt to keep yourself tight as you ride to the top of the stunt.
Legs, Then Arms
Bases should use a legs-then-arms technique when stunting. The muscles of your legs and butt are much stronger than those of your upper body, so all the power for a stunt should initiate from your legs and butt muscles prior to your arms engaging. When the top person loads into a stunt, dip deeply down, bending your knees to prepare the power for your stunt. Next, shoot up with your legs straightening and using your butt muscles to lift the stunt. Never use your arms to muscle up a stunt. This will result in a sloppy stunt and can lead to injury. Your arms should put only the finishing touch on the stunt, balancing it and holding it up.
Cradling
Cradling technique applies to all involved in the stunt. For the bases, dip deeply using your legs to power the cradle. Shoot the top person straight up into the air. Do not push her feet forward. Timing is crucial, so practice getting your toss exactly in sync with your other base. Catch the cradle as high as possible with your arms staggered with the arms of the other base. A back spot should remember that her primary focus is protection of the top person. Steady the top person as the toss is initiated and scoop your arms underneath her armpits as soon as you can reach her, cradling her head and shoulders against your chest. Finally,the top person controls the aesthetic appeal of a cradle. Ride the toss your bases give you as high as you can and with a straight body. Your arms should be glued to your sides and your shoulders should be shrugging up. As you start to descend, keep your body straight and prepare to open your arms to catch yourself on the shoulders of your bases. Do not pike your body until you feel the arms of your bases catching you. Pike naturally, not severely, allowing your body to make a wide "V" shape.
References
- Varsity: Skills and Drills - Stunting Basics - Stunt Dictionary
- Varsity: Skills and Drills - Advanced Stunts - Elevators
- Varsity: Skills and Drills - Stunting Basics - Cradle Technique
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Beginner Stunts: Steplock
- Ms. Pineapple's Cheer Page: Glossary of Cheerleading Stunting Terms
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