1. Going From Pom-Poms to Pyramids
When most of us think of cheerleading, we immediately conjure an image of girls waving pom-poms in the air and yelling, "Go, team!" While this is certainly not an inaccurate portrayal, cheerleading often becomes much more physical than that. Tumbles, flips, handstands, cartwheels, pyramids and other stunts involving lifting girls in the air all become part of a cheerleader's performance. However, in most cases these stunts do not come naturally; these moves must be practiced. It's best to have every cheerleader gradually master each move successively; for instance, don't expect someone who can't perform a handstand to pull off a perfect cartwheel. The risk of injury is vastly reduced if you gradually build up to more difficult stunts rather than thrusting the girls into a succession of movements which they are not prepared to execute.
2. It's All About Location
Practicing cheerleading stunts isn't like practicing jam sessions with your bandmates, where someone's garage will be suitable one day and a band member's bedroom the next. According to guidelines set forth by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA), cheerleading stunts need to be performed in a specific environment. Moving tables aside in a cafeteria or practicing in a hallway is not acceptable. A cheerleading practice should be held outdoors, or in a gymnasium or similar location with high ceilings and include mats or pads placed on the floor. The setting should be secluded from any possible distractions. Practice of stunts should never be unsupervised. There should be a qualified coach observing practice at all times.
3. A Healthy Body Equals Safe Stunts
Flexibility and strength are not only essential to perform the stunts themselves, but to perform them safely. Conditioning is an important factor in reducing stunt-related cheerleading injuries (most commonly to knees, ankles and lower backs). Concentrate on stretching mostly the lower back and legs. Add arm and shoulder stretches if you'll be building pyramids or performing overhead lifts. As set forth by the guidelines of the AACCA, all cheerleading squads should be participating in an approved, regulated strength and conditioning program and mandatory stretching sessions both before and after each practice.
4. Make Sure Cheerleading Stunts Are a Group Effort
Most cheerleading stunts are considered "partner stunts." They require the participation and concentration of every member of the squad. Each person must know her position and what is required of her. For more difficult stunts like lifts and pyramids, there should always be girls who are in the base position and those who act as spotters. Bases provide support for those girls who are lifted overhead. These girls should have both feet planted firmly on the ground at all times. Spotters are not part of the base support and provide assistance to the girls on top as they come down (if the stunt requires jumping, the spotters catch the girl). Stunts requiring every squad member should not be attempted during a practice if any of the members are not present during the practice session.
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