Easy Beginner Cheer Stunts Easy Beginner Cheer Stunts

What Are Cheerleading Stunts?

If you have ever seen a performance by a cheerleading squad, you know that the moves performed are no joke and require a pretty good amount of athleticism.

Have you ever asked yourself, "what are the moves that cheerleaders do?" or, "what are the different kinds of cheerleading stunts?"

Cheerleading stunts are when cheerleaders build pyramids with the flyers on top of the bases and spotters. Stunts range from basic two-legged stunts to high-flying basket tosses. The kind of stunts performed by cheerleaders varies between All-Star teams and school cheerleading squads.

In this article, I will break down the various kinds of cheerleading stunts ranging from beginner all the way to advanced. I'll also explain each cheerleader's roles in the stunts and give some examples of these stunts.

Beginner Cheerleading Stunts

First, we'll start with beginner cheerleading stunts.

These kinds of stunts are going to be the foundation from which all cheerleading stunts branch off from. They are the kinds of stunts that will make an appearance very early on in your cheerleading practice and will remain a staple throughout your entire athletic career.

Hanging Stag

In the hanging stag stunt, the bases will hold the flyer's armpits, making a cupping shape with their hands and placing their thumbs in front of the flyer's torso and the rest of the four fingers on the flyer's back. Meanwhile, the spotter is to hold the flyer by their waist.

Once all members are ready to perform the stunt, all members bend down and lift the flyer in the air. Bases ought to ensure they are holding their flyer firmly throughout the stunt.

Some tips for the hanging stag include:

Making sure that the flyer keeps their arms tight in a "T" shape.
Making sure that the base keeps their arms in a high touchdown motion.

L-Sit

The L-sit is another beginner cheerleading stunt in which one person (the flyer), held by another person (the base), extends one of their legs straight out with their other leg bent, all while keeping the same-side arm straight up.

Some tips for the L-sit include:

Ensuring that the base performs a deep side lunge (with their leg at 90-degrees) for the flyer to sit on
Ensuring that the flyer points their toes and the base catches their leg on the base's calf or ankle.

L-Stand

The next move we're going to go over is the L-stand.

This move is commonly performed at sporting events – basketball games, in particular. The L-stand is a cool stunt because, although it is pretty easy to learn, it looks really impressive if done correctly. The L-stand also requires three people.

The instructions to perform the L-stand are as follows:

First, the spotter gets into position and stands behind the base.
The base lunges their right leg to form a 90-degree angle, just like they would for a shoulder sit.
The flyer then stands behind the base's right leg and places their right foot near the top of the base's leg by their hip.
The base grasps the flyer's foot and holds it in place with their left hand, and uses their right arm to place it under the flyer's right knee to add support.
The flyer places their hands on the base's shoulders and pushes straight up while swinging their left leg out to the left.
As the flyer extends their left leg, the base should move her left arm to a V-shape position, extending the flyer's leg into an L position and then holding the pose.
Simultaneously, the flyer will stiffen their right leg, which the base will then push up to help the flyer stand up.

Pony Sit/ Pony Mount

The pony mount is one of the first mounts that any cheerleader should learn. It involves three cheerleaders: one base, one flyer, and one spotter. The flyer gets behind the base and sits on the lower part of the base's waist in front of the spotter.

Some tips for performing the pony sit include:

Ensure that the base has their arms fully extended overhead and keeps their head in a neutral position.
The flyer should sit on the bases' low back.
The spotter is to hold the flyer by the waist at all times to prevent them from falling over.
The spotter can assist the flyer with getting up and dismounting from the stunt.

Shoulder Sit

The shoulder sit is one of the most common cheerleading stunts and also one of the easiest. This stunt requires all members of the cheer squad – a base, a spotter, and a flyer, and is performed as is follows:

First, the base lunges with their right leg to the side, forming a 90-degree angle.
The flyer then stands behind the base and places their right foot on the base's bent leg as close to the hip as possible, jumping up and swinging their left leg over the base's left shoulder. The right leg follows over the right shoulder.
As the flyer swings their right leg into place, the base should stand up. The flyer can hook their legs around the base's back for added support.
A spotter stands behind the pair to catch the flyer if they lose their balance and fall.

Swedish Falls

The Swedish Falls is a cheerleading move in which a flyer is facing down with their arms fully extended and one leg held out straight.

Some tips for the Swedish Falls include:

Making sure that the flyer keeps their core braced and body positioning tight with their arms locked.
The bases should also have their arms locked directly over them, with their core braced and hips not shooting forward.
Having an additional base under the flyer's hips is a good idea to prevent the flyer from falling.
The flyer should always point their toes when performing the stunt.

Thigh Stand

The thigh stand requires three people: two bases and one flyer. A spotter is not usually required, but each coach will decide whether or not one is warranted.

The way the thigh stand is performed is listed below.

First, two bases stand side-by-side in a lunge position. One base will lunge to the right and the other to the left, with their bent legs facing each other and their feet side-by-side.
The flyer then places their left foot on one of the base's thighs, up near the hip, and places their hands on the two bases' shoulders. The left base should grab their foot with the left hand and place her right arm under the flyer's knee.
The flyer then pushes up into place, putting the other foot on the other base's thigh and locking her legs into place. The right base should grab the flyer's foot with the right hand and hook the left arm around the back of the knee.
When the flyer gains her balance, she lifts her arms into a high V or on her hips in the ready position.

Some tips for the thigh stand are:

Ensure that the bases are in a deep lunge and have a strong position for the flyer to stand on.
Ensure that the flyer steps in the "pockets" of the bases (right up near the top of their hip, not directly on their quads).
The flyer should start with her right foot first and climb using the "step, lock, tighten" method.
The base must hold the flyer's legs by wrapping their arms around the flyer's knees.
The back spotter should hold the flyer's waist when performing the stunt.
When first learning this stunt, you can always add a front spotter.
To dismount, have the bases hold the flyer's hands and their armpit.
The flyer is to land in the front of the stunt with their feet together.

Intermediate Cheerleading Stunts

As you progress and develop your cheerleading skills, you will end up moving on to more intermediate-level stunts.

The following are some examples of intermediate cheerleading stunts and descriptions of them.

Arabesque

The arabesque is an intermediate-level cheerleading stunt in which the top cheerleader balances all of their body weight on one leg with their other leg extended horizontally backward.

Tips for the Arabesque:

Make sure that the flyer remains tight during the entire stunt.
The flyer should always keep their toes pointed.

Cradle Dismount

The cradle is a basic stunt dismount used in cheerleading that adds a little flair to your stunt.

How To Perform A Basic Cradle Dismount:

The bases first lower the flyer back into the elevator position by dropping their hands down to their shoulders or chins.
The bases will then perform the "dip and pop" technique by using the muscles of their legs (not their arms or back). The dip consists of them bending their knees (while keeping their backs straight) to help them gain momentum for the pop.
As the bases return to the standing position, they should "pop" by powerfully exploding in an upward motion. The pop is meant to be powerful, and the bases' toes are likely to almost leave the ground – though the pop should not be a jumping motion.
Simultaneously, while performing the dip and pop, the bases' arms should extend straight upward in a locked position to propel the flyer into the air.
As the bases' arms go up, they should naturally go into a criss-cross pattern with each other, which creates the "bridge' that the flyer will land in.
As the flyer descends from the stunt, the bases should catch the flyer at the highest point possible to decelerate them and absorb the motion and power of the landing. The bases' back arms will catch the flyer on their upper-to-mid back, while their front arms will catch them just below and above their knees. The bases' knees should bend with the catch.
After the catch and a brief pause, the bases will gently pop the flyer back into a standing position so that they land in front of them.
Once the flyer has landed and is stable, the bases should release their inside arm, which at this point is gripping the flyer's waist. Then, the entire group faces forward with their feet together and their arms at their side.

Tips for the Cradle Dismount:

Before any cheerleading squad attempts a cradle dismount, they should decide upon a standard count series. It is the responsibility of the spotter to keep the beat and call it out. Timing is super important in stunting and dismounting and must be practiced thoroughly.
During the entire dismount, the flyer should stay tight, keeping all of their muscles squeezed. When the bases catch the flyer, make sure that they wrap their arms around the bases' shoulders.
Cheerleaders that are active in stunts ought to wear the proper cheerleading shoes (link to Amazon) to provide adequate foot support and to prevent the likelihood of injury.

Elevator

The last stunt we're going to cover is called the elevator. It is another simple stunt that is perfect for beginners. As you begin to gain skill and experience in cheerleading, you can transform the elevator into more advanced stunts.

Two side spots, one back spot, and one flyer will be needed to complete this stunt, requiring a total of four cheerleaders. A front spot is optional.

The elevator cheerleading stunt is completed as follows:

First, the side bases should stand across from one another with the flyer behind them.
The flyer then places their hands on the side spots' shoulders.
The back spot then stands behind the flyer with their hands on the flyer's waist.
Once everyone is in the correct position, the two side spots should squat with their hands in a cupped position.
On a count of four, the back spot should lift the flyer so that they step into the side spots' cupped hands.
The side spots will stand up while the flyer pushes off their shoulders until their feet are lifted to the two side spots' chest height.
The back spot will then steady the flyer's legs by holding their legs in place.

Tips for the Elevator:

Ensure that the flyer does not look down and keeps their form tight.
Ensure that the bases and spotters are always watching the flyer when performing the stunt.

Half/Prep

A half (also known as a prep) is a basic cheerleading stunt in which a flyer stands on the bases' hands. The flyer's feet should be positioned directly under the bases chin. From this position, all stunts can be performed at prep-level.

Tips for the Half/Prep:

The flyer ought to keep their legs straight.
Ensure that the bases and the spotter watch the flyer, paying special attention to the flyer's dismount.
The flyer should always keep their head pointed up, not down.

Hands Dismount

The hands dismount isn't necessarily a stunt, but rather the act of getting down from a stunt.

Tip for the Hands Dismount:

Ensure that the flyer keeps their legs locked as they bend down to grab the hands of each base.

Heel Stretch – Prep

The heel stretch is when a cheerleader is standing on the ground and lifts their leg straight up to their side. It is a classic cheerleading pose and requires a great deal of flexibility.

Once your cheerleading stunt group has mastered the prep version of the heel stretch, they can progress to a heel stretch done in a full elevator position.

T ips for the heel stretch:

Keep your toes pointed.
Grab the middle of your left foot.
Keep your left straight.
Keep your right leg tight and locked.
Both arms should be in a high "V" position.

Liberty – Prep

This move is done in preparation for the full liberty stunt.

In the liberty prep, the flyer stands atop two bases, with their arms outstretched in a "V"-shaped position. They balance on one leg, and have their other leg flexed at the hip.

Tips for the Liberty – Prep:

Ensure that everyone is keeping their eyes on the flyer.
The flyer should keep their body in a straight line with their chest up.
The flyer should keep their foot flat and stay close.

Scale – Prep

The Scale – Prep in cheerleading is a stunt in that is a combination of basic cheerleading motions and advanced techniques.

It is performed by a flyer and is most often performed when a flyer is in the air as part of a stunt group.

How To Perform A Scale – Prep:

Stand sideways with your legs together, and toes pointed straight. Your arms should be straight at your sides.
Bend up and raise your outside leg while slightly turning your chest out toward the audience and pulling your left hand behind you.
As you raise your leg, keep your toes pointed. Your hand should wrap around your leg just above the ankle so that your fingers are on your shin and your thumb is on your calf. If you place your hand too low or too high, you'll have trouble keeping your leg straight and getting a full extension.
Continue to pull your leg up, extending it as straight as possible while also pulling it in toward your body
At full extension, your leg will be about an arm's length away from your body, and you arm will be in between a "T" position and a High "V" position.
Once you are fully extended, pull your other arm up into a High "V" position. Your upper body will lean forward slightly as a natural movement for this stunt, but ensure that you keep your head and chest up as you extend your leg.

Tips for the Scale – Prep:

Ensure that the flyer remains tight during the entire stunt.
The Flyer should always keep their toes pointed and hold the shin of their extended leg.
Ensure that the flyer keeps their chest and head up to avoid falling forward.

Scorpion – Prep

The scorpion pose is where the flyer stands with their leg fully stretched behind them with their heel all the way up to the back of their head. It requires an extraordinary amount of flexibility from the flyer.

Once your cheerleading stunt group has mastered the prep version of the scorpion, they can progress to a scorpion in a full elevator position.

Tips:

The flyer should master this stunt on the ground before attempting it in the air.
This stunt is usually done to the side to see the extension of the Flyer. Some teams will even rotate this stunt in a full circle to see all sides of the scorpion.

Sources:

Cheerleading Info Center
Omni Cheer Blog

rogersstintion1940.blogspot.com

Source: https://cheerhype.com/complete-list-of-cheerleading-stunts-beginner-to-intermediate/