(Cont'd from "How Safe is Safe Enough")
The fact that you have read this far means that you now have a responsibility to share it with others, and to learn to apply the fundamentals. To illustrate how these guidelines work, I will take you through the steps of a simple thigh stand, one of the most important, basic stunts you can learn. As you read, make note of rather you can do these things every time. If you can't, it is time to go back to the beginning and learn it right. If you can, great, but remember that fundamentals are skills that must be ingrained in every cheerleader on the squad, not just one or two members. They must be evident in every occurrence, and in all that you do, from simple to the most elite stunts.

THIGH STAND:

This description is based on the assumption that the reader already knows what a double-based thigh stand is. Many of the tips within reiterate the importance of the tips given above.

Bases begin by stepping back into their lunge with their straight leg. Toes on the straight leg should be pointing towards the audience. The knee on the bent leg needs to be directly above the ankle. Bases need to keep their chest up (don't bend at the waist), shoulders square to the front, and balance centred. The flyer will place her hands on the inside shoulders of the bases. The spotter will lightly hold the waist of the flyer as she places one foot into the "pocket" of either base. The pocket is the point where the leg meets the hip. Flyers need to be sure their foot is placed into the base "pocket", or she will cause discomfort to the bases. (It is also much easier to balance that way).

As the flyer places her foot into one of the base's pockets (for this example, let's assume it is the right foot), the base may hold the toe and heel for support. As the flyer moves to step up and place the left foot into the pocket of the second base, she will need to "lock" her right leg first. All weight starts on the right foot, she steps up, locks her muscle (tightens it), and then shifts her weight to even it between the left and right sides. As the weight evens out, bases move their inside arms to wrap around the flyers' legs above the knee. All of these steps are definitely distinct from one another, but to the observer, they should appear to be one smooth motion. When the stunt is safely up, arms are usually in a Hi- V, but you can select the motion that is best for your situation.

For the dismount in this stunt and all others, the key to safety is keeping the stunt under control. In this example, bases reach their outside arms up to grab the hands of the flyer. Bases hold the hands of the flyer with four fingers facing the audience (thumbs to the back). The flyer steps off the stunt, one foot at a time (do not jump off). As she does, bases assist her down further by taking the underneath side of her arms (between the elbow and the shoulder) with four fingers forward. This means that by the time the flyer has both feet back on the floor, bases should have two hands on each of her arms to stabilise her dismount. The spotter holds the waist of the flyer throughout the stunt sequence, as well. This is not typically a requirement in the rules of competition, but it is certainly a smart one to employ, especially when the fundamentals are still being mastered.

Your Turn...

By reading this article, you have just taken the first step to making cheerleading a better sport for you, your squad, and the athletes around you. Before your squad does another stunt, be sure everyone reads this article, and understands the importance of keeping fundamental skills at the front of the priority list. Learn to stunt safely together. You owe nothing less than that to yourself and to your fellow squad members. As my mom used to tell me, "Whatever you do, do it RIGHT, or don't do it at all."

Until next time, be proud of what you do, be happy with those you love, and be very good to yourself!

Andrea Kulberg

Photos: Honeybee's cheerleaders Danielle (L), Karen (Spotter), Pamela (Flyer), and Charlotte (R). Photos by John Marsden