SAFETY &
STUNTS part three
(The following is an excerpt from the soon to be published book Cheerleading
for Beginners )
PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP THE STUNT GROUP
YOUR BASE The base is the H.E.A.R.T.
of the mount
The base is a lot like your physical heart. It is
the center of the stunt and must be strong, constantly working hard to keep
everything running. It is also the emotional heart of the stunt. The more
positive the emotions and attitudes of the bases the better the stunt works.
H.E.A.R.T. STANDS FOR:
1.
Head, neck, and spinal cord- The bases must absolutely
always protect this area first.
2.
Expect the unexpected-The bases must be ready at
any moment for the flyer’s balance to shift and be prepared to adjust their
grip and/or stance. Should the flyer start to fall, the base must instantly
move to catch her.
3.
Athleticism- The base needs to be in the best possible shape she can be
and constantly trying to improve her strength, stamina and flexibility. This
will prevent injury to herself, enable the squad to attempt harder stunts and
make the stunts go up a lot smoother.
4.
Respect and Responsibility- The base must be responsible,
because stunting needs to be taken seriously. She needs to know everything
about the stunt she is attempting to do. She also has to respect
everybody in the stunt group, every role is important. Despite what may be a
negative personal opinion, the base needs to respect the flyer and act
responsibly.
5.
Three C's ,concentration,
communication, and contact (Yeah I
know we're stretching it here, but we needed a T ). The base must
concentrate all of her energy on the stunt, not letting anything
distract her from her job. Communication
is also very important. When putting up the stunt the base should use
counts to coordinate the movements of the stunt group. Everyone one must be
able to hear and know what she is doing. Then, when the flyer is ready to come
down the base must be silent and wait for her to call down. Finally, always
remain in contact with the flyer. When she is not in the bases hands,
they should never lose eye contact with her. The base should stay with the
flyer until the stunt is finished.
A BASE SHOULD:
A.
Know
exactly what you are going to do before you do it.
B.
Always
be aware of how a stunt can fail before you begin. Always expect the
unexpected.
C.
Make
sure you and the flyer have the exact idea of what you are about to do. Ask
your coach to see a video or picture just to be safe.
D.
The
bases and flyer have to be in perfect agreement on how to time the stunt.
E.
Always
practice stunts to counts. This helps you perfect your timing.
F.
Always
know how the flyer is going to come down before you put her up.
G.
Always
warm up first.
H.
Never
advance to a more difficult stunt until you have mastered an easier one.
I.
Keep
a checklist of everyone's stunting skills on your squad and check off each
skill as each person learns it.
J.
Remember
that when you are learning to base a new stunt it is better to use a flyer that
has already done the stunt.
K.
If
you don't feel confident enough to do a certain stunt, don't do it. Know your
limitations.
L.
Always
maintain close contact with your flyer, staying with her until the stunt is
finished.
M.
Try
to do the more difficult stunts early in your practice, before you are tired.
N.
Always
inspect the area to make sure it is safe.
O.
Never
perform a stunt you have not mastered if you are not on a mat. It is always a
good idea to practice on a mat.
P.
Must
always protect the flyers head, neck and spinal cord.
Q.
Needs
to become familiar with each flyer so you know how she reacts, any odd
movements she might have. You have a very close relationship, (bond) with your
flyer; you must understand her moods, facial expressions.
R.
Watch
closely for any signs of nervousness or apprehension your flyer might have.
Talk to her about this, reassure her, letting her know you believe in her
abilities. Go back to one of the easier stunts your group has performed and do
it. Then try walking through the new stunt a couple of times. If your flyer is still nervous or
apprehensive she is not ready to do the stunt. Don't attempt it.
S.
Be
honest about the flyers skills, weight and strength, add extra spotters if you
need to.
T.
Know
where your spotters are.
U.
Realize
that your coach doesn't know if you need extra spotters. You must tell
her.
V.
Never
practice a stunt without your coach or other responsible adult close by.
W.
Remember
you control the balance of a stunt.
X.
Bases
should look up at the stunt to help them balance.
Y.
Make
sure your body is properly positioned during the stunt. Correct posture is very
important in order to avoid injury. Keep head and chest up. Do not lean into or
away from a stunt.
Z.
Keep
one foot slightly in front of the other during the stunt this will help you
balance.
AA.
Lift
with your legs, never put pressure on your knees. Leg strength is used for the bulk
of the lifting and helping to balance. Never
use your back to lift.
BB.
Arm
strength is used to help the flyer while she is climbing and in supporting the
final stunt.
CC.
Know
the safety guidelines for your appearance. Never lift the flyer if she has not
removed all jewelry and loose clothing. Somebody could get injured if she does
not remove these.
DD.
Always
let your coach know if you have been injured or you are sick. Take it easy
getting back into shape.
EE.
Remember
there should be no unnecessary talking or laughing while performing the stunt.
FF.
Should
continually be trying to improve your physical condition. Aim to increase
strength, flexibility, and endurance.
GG.
Once
you have decided to perform a stunt give it 100 % of your effort.
YOUR FLYER- THE FLYER IS THE S.T.A.R.
OF THE GROUP
To the audience, the flyer is the star. Even though she has a group of highly trained people supporting and teaching her, she is the one who shines and will bring glory to your squad.
S.T.A.R. Stands for:
1.
SAFETY-Always the #1 priority, but
let's be honest about this. It is the flyer who is most likely to get hurt in a
stunt. The bases and spotters always run the risk of minor injury, but the
flyer is the one who could be seriously hurt should the stunt fail. Even though
the coach and the rest of the squad should always follow safety guidelines they
sometimes don't. The flyer must follow all safety guidelines and make sure
everyone else does.
2.
THREE T'S TIGHT, TIMING,
TRUST- Staying tight throughout the stunt,
even if it is failing, is a must. This is because it is much easier, and safer
for the bases and spotters to catch you. Quite often the bases can actually
save the stunt and keep the flyer up, successfully finishing it. Also, a
flyer’s timing must coincide with the stunt group, being completely in
sync with everyone. This is why we practice stunts to counts. Finally, the
flyer must trust the bases to take care of her. Once she is up they will
get her down. Like I said before, if the flyer falls and stays tight, the bases
will catch her without injuring her or themselves.
3.
ATTENTION- Pay attention to
detail, ask questions. Know every little thing you can about the stunt. Pay
close attention to the surroundings. Finally pay attention to
those in the stunt group.
4.
RESPONSIBILITY- Take responsibility for the stunt. The flyer
must make sure she knows what she is doing. She needs to learn all she can
about the stunt and carefully follow the skills progression check list. Work
hard and always give 100% to the stunt. The bases can’t put the flyer up unless
she gives it all she’s got.
A FLYER SHOULD:
A.
Understand
the mechanics and risks involved with each new skill you attempt.
B.
Be
able to perform perfectly all lead-up skills without extra assistance before
learning a more advanced one.
C.
Keep
a checklist of everyone’s stunting skills on your squad and check off each
skill as it is mastered. Do not fly with someone who has not mastered
all previous skills required for a new stunt.
D.
If
you don't feel confident to do a certain stunt don't do it.
E.
Take
time learning a new skill; don't rush. Remember everything always looks easier
than it actually is and takes a long time to master before you can perform in
front of a crowd.
F.
Make
sure you and your bases have the exact idea of how a stunt should look and be
performed. Ask to see pictures or a video first if possible.
G.
Discuss
and be in perfect agreement with your bases on the timing of the stunt. Bases
should count out loud during the practicing and perfecting of a stunt.
H.
Always
ask question if you aren't sure about a skill.
I.
Along
with your bases, you should always check your practice areas/mats to make sure
it is safe.
J.
Always
warm up before doing any stunt
K.
Stay
tight during the entire stunt so the bases can control you, controlling your
head, hips, arms, legs and torso in order to perform the stunt safely. A slight
movement of your hips can be enough to bring down the stunt.
L.
Always
climb with a straight body and your head and chest up. Be sure to press down on
the bases strength points in order to balance correctly. Do not lean backwards or forwards; maintain
correct posture.
M.
Keep
the center of gravity in the middle of the base level. Do not push or pull on
your base.
N.
Your
motto should be step, lock, and tighten. As you step into your base you
should lock your leg before taking the next step. Each step is followed by a
lock. It is only after both legs are in place that the flyer can tighten into
the final position.
O.
You
use leg strength in climbing or jumping into a stunt or in absorbing your
landing on some dismounts.
P.
You
use your arm strength when climbing or dismounting, pushing off wrists on
tosses and support on some stunts.
Q.
Eventually
you must learn to Jump, hop into a stunt. This is only after the skill has been
mastered. This will allow the stunt to be built quickly. Making your cheer
routine or sideline chant easier and faster.
R.
You
determine when the stunt should come down. You call down and start the
dismount process.
S.
Always
know how you are to come down from a stunt before you begin.
T.
Stay
calm. You should not panic, yell or swing your arms when coming down. Stay
tight and keep your arms either straight above your head or at the side in
order for the spotters and bases to assist you.[PC1]
U.
Never
try new or more dangerous stunts at the end of a practice when you are tired.
V.
If
you have any pain while doing a stunt tell your coach. She will help you
correct any mistakes you might be making. You and/or your bases could be doing
the stunt incorrectly or you may have injured yourself while performing.
W.
Always
let your coach know if you were injured before practice or you were sick and go
slowly while getting back into shape.
X.
You
must communicate with the bases and spotters. Your life is in their hands. You
have a very close relationship with them. Learn to understand their moods.
Sometimes they may be sick, tired, or upset. If you pick up on this, talk to
them about it. Emotionally and physically they may be unprepared to do the
stunt.
Y.
Never
practice a stunt without your coach or other responsible adult close by.
Z.
Always
practice on a mat until the stunt has been perfected.
AA.
There
should be no unnecessary talking during a stunt.
BB.
Follow
safety rules for appearance.
CC.
Always
be trying to increase your physical abilities. Working on strength,
flexibility, and stamina.
DD.
Once
you have decided to perform a stunt give it 100% of your effort.
COMING SOON….
SKILL PROGRESSION CHECK
LIST, SAFETY GUIDELINES
IN THE FUTURE…..
LEARN GRIPS, CATCHES, BASIC
AND ADVANCED STUNTS. PICTURES FOR ALL OF THESE LEARNING CORRECT GRIPS, STANCES,
PICTURES FOR ALL OF THESE