Cheerleading stunts can be used to help lead the crowd with a cheer as well as during music segments to build excitement or difficulty in a competition routine. In any case, cheerleader stunts add flair to a cheerleading routine. Stunting can be one of the most fun parts of cheerleading, but it can also be the most dangerous sport. If not using the proper care while stunting, someone may get seriously hurt. That's why we recommend that all college cheerleading stunts and tumbling programs adopt AACCA safety guidelines which apply to all cheerleading tumbling camps, clinics, practices, games and special events.

Here are some basic cheerleading tips and explanations. Before beginning any type of tumbling routines or any other cheerleading activity, be sure to go through a warm up and stretching out routine. Stretching out is a vital part of cheerleading tumbling. The whole body is used in cheerleader stunts and tumbling routines and without stretching the activity could not be done to full potential.

One of the most important cheerleading tips is that group work is essential when stunting. Cheerleading pyramids/ stunts are the team effort. There are three basic positions in cheerleading stunts. Flyer (top person), base (bottom person), and spotters. Each play an important role in the stunt. Not everyone can fly, base, or spot. The coach will decided who is the best for each position in each particular cheerleading stunt.

Bases are the bottoms of cheerleader stunts. Bases play an important role in cheerleading stunts. The flyers must trust the bases completely as without this trust, cheerleader stunts would not fly to full capability. Bases should be looking at the flyer at all times and always be prepared to catch the flyer. Although there are spotters who are supposed to do so, but more people catching is much better than just one. Bases need to be strong and if there is another base, they need to be able to work together and communicate with the other bases.

The spotters have extremely important part in cheerleading stunting. The spotters need to help brace the bases, catch the flyer if falling, and help sturdy the stunt in any way possible. Spotters should never take their eyes off the flyer and must never back away from a falling flyer. To accomplishall the spotter must be aware of what is happening at all times. Being a spotter is rather a difficult position.

The flyer is the top person in cheerleader stunts. Flyers should stay focused and tight at all times. They should be balanced and remember to smile!  Although it sounds like a lot of fun it can also be stressing and fearful. That's why a flyer needs to have a lot of confidence with herself and cheerleading stunting partners, but they can't rely on the bases and spotters to do everything.

And remember one of the most important cheerleading tips - you must establish ability level and constant progression, so you should never attempt a stunt or new tumbling skill without mastering lower level tumbling skills first.

Last Updated: