Mostly used in advanced one-leg stunts, leg variations can also be used to spice up a cheer or a dance or as an opportunity to show whole-squad flexibility while on the ground in a competition routine. Executing these positions on the ground requires the same form as executing them in the air. Master all leg variations on solid ground before attempting them at the top of a stunt. Work to master these positions on both your right leg and your left leg to make yourself more versatile.
Liberty
The most basic leg variation and the first one you should master is the liberty. Stand on one leg and bend the other leg up. The thigh of your free leg should be parallel to the ground. Keep the foot of your free leg near the knee of your supporting leg. It is not necessary to touch that foot to your knee, but do not let it sway away from the knee. Place your arms in a high "V" shape overhead. Pull your abdominal muscles in tight toward your spine to help you balance.
Arabesque
Another leg variation is the arabesque. Again standing on one leg, lifting your other leg off the ground. Keeping your free leg straight, extend it behind you. Your torso should stay straight and tall. Aim to get your extended leg to horizontal or above, but do not lean forward with your chest. Keep your toe pointed behind you. Stretch your arms straight out to the side in a T motion. To get the best effect for this position, it should be performed facing the side with your extended leg closer to the crowd. In this position, you will turn your head to look out over your front arm at the crowd.
Heel Stretch
A heel stretch is a leg variation that requires extensive flexibility in a split position. Standing on your left foot, lift your right leg up and slightly to the side. Keep your leg straight as you lift it to your heel stretch position. Grab the heel of your right leg in the cupped hand of your right arm. Your arm should be be behind your leg. Grabbing your heel in your cupped hand will force your foot into the pointed position it should remain in. Lift your left arm up above your head into a high "V" shape. Strive to stretch your leg to the point that both your free arm and the arm holding your leg form a perfect "V" shape. Do not allow your supporting leg to bend in this position.
Scorpion
One of the most advanced leg variations is the scorpion. To perform a scorpion, you will need both back flexibility and split flexibility. Standing on your left leg, bend your right leg behind you taking your right foot in your right hand. Stretch your right leg behind you as you reach your left arm up and overhead. When you get your foot high enough, transfer your right foot into your left hand. Leaning forward slightly, pull your right leg up so that your leg and your body form an oval or round shape. Extend your right arm out toward the crowd, keeping it parallel to the ground, and look out over your arm. Eventually you may gain enough flexibility and expertise to simply lift your right leg behind you and get it straight into your left hand without using your right hand to help pull your leg up.
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