In cheerleading, skill levels are assigned to stunts or routines that you perform either individually or with a squad. These levels correspond to the difficulty of a trick or routine. While competitions and their guidelines vary, in general there are five different skill levels, and you receive more points for executing more difficult skills.
Novice
Novice-level stunts, pyramids and jumps will result in one to two points being awarded to your team for proper execution of the skill. Due to the simple nature of these skills, they are most often performed at the beginning of more complex routines. If you are competing in a match, novice moves range from forward and backward rolls to cartwheels and roundoffs. If you are performing a jumping exercise, you will be awarded one to three points for a spread eagle or double hook jump.
Basic
Performing routines with basic skill level moves will result in four to six points for your team, depending on your accuracy and fluidity. When performing a pyramid routine at a basic skill level, a team must perform one-legged as well as two-legged stunts. In addition, toe touches, pikes and hurdlers are jumps that will be awarded a basic skill level. With respect to dismounts, basic skill level moves do not need to incorporate multiple twists or flips in order to be awarded full points for the trick.
Intermediate
For a cheerleading team to score points at an intermediate skill level, an increase in form, technique as well as motion on the floor is required. In addition, if you are performing a pyramid, extended one leg variations must be performed in combination with extended two-legged stunts. If you are performing solo stunts, you must attempt multiple body positions, including inverted transitions and single twisting tosses. On dismounts, single and double twists must be performed at different times during the routine.
Advanced
Advanced skill levels are attempted only by the top tier cheerleading teams and require a combination of superior technique with double twists, advanced transitions and jump/tuck combinations. In addition to toe touches and pikes while jumping, cheerleaders at an advanced skill level are required to perform these jumps in perfect synchronization with the other members of their team. In addition, unassisted, one-leg extended stunts must be performed regularly throughout your routine in order to earn advanced level points.
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