Tag Archives: cheerleading roles

Cheer How-To Series, Featured, Rules, Safety, Tips

Mastering Cheer Stunting 101: A Comprehensive Guide for New Cheer Coaches

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Mastering Cheer Stunting 101: A Comprehensive Guide for New Cheer Coaches
28
Jun
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 28, 2023

Every cheerleading performance is a mesmerizing blend of rhythm, athleticism, and sheer enthusiasm, with stunting taking center stage. Stunting, the act of lifting a team member during a performance, is not just about the high-flying spectacle; it requires precision, strength, and an intricate understanding of cheerleading guidelines. For any new cheer coach looking to ensure their team’s stunting routines are not only breathtaking but also adhere to American cheerleading rules and regulations, this guide offers a step-by-step breakdown.

Understanding the Key Roles in Cheer Stunting

Each stunt in cheerleading is made possible by the combined effort of the flyer, the bases, the backspot, and, sometimes, the front spot. All roles are bound by the safety guidelines set forth by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) and the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF).

  1. Flyer: Flyers need a solid sense of balance, flexibility, and confidence. They must follow safety guidelines, such as not reaching out to the crowd or performing any dangerous dismounts without proper support.
  2. Bases: Bases must be strong enough to lift and catch the flyer. They should always watch the flyer and not the crowd or competition, as stipulated by AACCA safety guidelines.
  3. Backspot: The backspot’s responsibility extends to ensuring the stunt’s timing, protecting the flyer’s head and neck, and maintaining constant awareness of the stunt group’s stability.
  4. Front Spot: This optional role can add an extra layer of safety, aiding in lifting the flyer, and providing additional stability to the stunt.
Mastering Cheer Stunting 101

Stunt Conditioning Drills: Building Strength and Stability

The next step is conditioning your cheerleaders for stunting. Strength, flexibility, and balance exercises should be part of your team’s regular workout regimen, in line with the conditioning guidelines of the USASF.

  1. Core Strength Exercises: The core is fundamental for all stunting roles. Exercises such as planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists can help build core strength.
  2. Leg and Arm Strength Workouts: Squats, lunges, and push-ups can help bases and spotters develop the power they need to support flyers.
  3. Balance Drills: Balance exercises, such as yoga poses or balance beam exercises, are important for flyers to maintain their poise while aloft.
  4. Flexibility Training: Stretching routines, straddle stretches, and split routines help flyers achieve the flexibility they need to perform various stunts.
Cheerleading Stunts

Stunt Progressions: Learning to Stunt Safely

Safety is paramount in cheerleading, and stunt progressions allow your squad to build confidence and skills while adhering to the AACCA’s risk management guidelines. Here are a few progression steps:

  1. Thigh Stand: This beginner-friendly stunt helps team members understand the basics of balance and coordination.
  2. Prep or Half Elevator: Here, the flyer stands on the bases’ hands at chest level. This stunt introduces height and requires more strength from bases.
  3. Full Elevator or Extension: This full-height stunt is a test of your team’s stunting abilities and should only be performed once the other levels are mastered.

It is essential to incorporate these progressions into your training regimen, making sure to adhere to the USASF Level Rules and Age Grids.

When teaching stunts, remember that every cheerleader’s safety is your priority. Use appropriate safety mats and spotting until your squad is fully comfortable with their stunts. As a cheer coach, your primary goal should be to foster an environment where your cheerleaders can safely learn, grow, and shine under your guidance.

The art of stunting is one of the many elements that make cheerleading performances compelling and breathtaking. By incorporating the right drills, exercises, and safety practices into your coaching, and always adhering to the cheerleading rules and regulations, you can ensure your squad delivers not just a great performance, but a safe one. Keep the spirit high, the music inspiring, and let the joy of cheerleading resonate with every stunt your team executes.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
Cheer How-To Series, Featured, Tips

Building a Strong Team: Strategies for Effective Cheerleading Squad Management

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Building-a-strong-team-Strategies-for-effective-cheerleading-squad-management
06
Mar
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 6, 2023

As a cheer coach, one of your main responsibilities is to build and manage a successful cheer squad. A strong team is essential to achieving success in cheerleading, both on and off the field. In this article, we’ll explore strategies for effective cheerleading squad management, and how to build a strong team that can achieve its goals.

Building-a-strong-team--Strategies-for-effective-cheerleading-squad-management

First and foremost, effective communication is key to building a strong team. Regular team meetings, whether in-person or virtual, can help to keep your squad members informed about upcoming events, practice schedules, and any changes to the team’s goals or objectives. It is also important to establish open lines of communication, and to encourage your squad members to share their thoughts and ideas.

Another important strategy for effective cheerleading squad management is to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each squad member. This can help to ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them and can help to prevent confusion and conflicts. It’s also important to recognize and reward your squad members for their hard work and dedication, whether it’s through verbal encouragement or rewards program.

Creating a positive and supportive team culture is also crucial for building a strong team. This means fostering an environment that encourages teamwork, mutual respect, and trust among your squad members. This can be achieved through team-building activities, such as bonding events and retreats, and by promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Building-a-strong-team-Strategies-for-effective-cheerleading-squad-management-positive-support

It’s also important to establish a clear set of team rules and expectations, and to enforce them consistently. This can include things like attendance policies, dress codes, and social media guidelines. By having clear rules and expectations in place, it will be easier for you to hold your squad members accountable and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Finally, effective cheerleading squad management also involves providing your squad members with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals. This can include things like providing proper equipment, arranging for coaching and training, and even arranging for mental health support.

You Hit Zero Mobile Menu Logo pink

In conclusion, building a strong team is essential to achieving success in cheerleading. By implementing effective strategies for cheerleading squad management, such as clear communication, clear roles and responsibilities, and positive team culture, you can help your squad members to achieve their goals and perform at their best. Additionally, by providing necessary resources and support to your squad members, you can ensure that they have what they need to succeed.

You Hit Zero Mobile Menu Logo pink

In conclusion, building a strong team is essential to achieving success in cheerleading. By implementing effective strategies for cheerleading squad management, such as clear communication, clear roles and responsibilities, and positive team culture, you can help your squad members to achieve their goals and perform at their best. Additionally, by providing necessary resources and support to your squad members, you can ensure that they have what they need to succeed.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

130bpm 150bpm
SHARE YOUR CART