A double down is a way to dismount from a cheerleading stunt. In a double down, the top person is tossed out of the bases' hands and executes two full twists prior to being caught in the bases' arms. A double down is an elite level stunt and you must show consistent mastery of lead-up stunts prior to attempting it. As always, never stunt without the supervision of a qualified cheer coach.
Straight Cradle
The first element to master before learning a double down is a straight cradle. You must have perfect form in a straight cradle before you add any twisting. When your bases pop you, ride up with your arms tight to your body and shrugging your shoulders to help your body get as high as possible. As you descend, keep your abdominal muscles pulled in tight as you prepare to open your arms to catch yourself. Assist your bases by catching yourself with your arms wrapped around their shoulders. As you land in their arms, allow your body to pike slightly, forming a wide "V" shape with your torso and your legs. Master a cradle from an elevator position, at chin level, and an extension position, extended above your bases' heads, before attempting any twists.
Learning to Twist
Before you can attempt a twist in the air, you must master the concept on the ground. Place a chair in front of a thick crash mat and stand on it with your back to the mat. Before you begin, find something high on the wall in front of you to focus on. Have a partner stabilize the chair so it does not move when you jump off it. Start with your arms overhead in a high "V" motion. Jump up, pulling your arms down to your sides as you turn your head sharply to your left, looking over your shoulder to initiate your twist. Pull your abdominal muscles in, keeping your body from arching. Keep your eyes open as you twist and when you see the item you focused on before you twisted, stop twisting. Allow your body to fall back onto the mat, landing on your back with your body tight.
Full Twist Cradle
When you have mastered twisting into a mat, you are ready to attempt it in the air. As your bases toss you into a cradle, ride the bounce as high as you can, pulling your arms down and shrugging up with your shoulders before looking sharply over your left shoulder to twist. As you twist, keep your abdominal muscles pulled in tight. Your body should remain straight like a board as you spin. Twist with your eyes open. When you see the front, open your arms and descend into the cradle, catching yourself with your arms wrapped around the bases' shoulders.
Double Down
While it might sound easy to add another twist to your twisting cradle, it takes a lot of work and proficiency. Make sure that your full twist cradle is perfect every time and that you are spinning quickly and tightly. Make sure you can do a twist cradle from an elevator level, extension level, and from one-foot extended stunts as well. Return to the crash mat to practice double twists off the chair before attempting them in the air. When you are ready to attempt your extra twist from a stunt, start in an elevator. As your bases pop you, ride the bounce as high as you can before starting your twist. Spin tightly and quickly. Until you have mastered the double twist, you should land in the cradle with your arms tight to your sides to avoid hitting your bases as you open your arms to catch yourself.
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