cheerleading in physical education - nstutaphe.nstu.ca/images/documents/conference...

CHEERLEADING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

OBSERVE – EVALUATE – REPEAT/PROCEED

5 areas of Cheerleading:

1. Stunting

2. Jumps

3. Tumbling

4. Cheer

5. Dance

STUNTING

Safety Notice: Cheerleading Stunting is to be done on a secure, matted surface

(gymnastics mats) at all times.

Basic Instruction

There are 4 positions with in a Stunt Group (Back, Flyer, 2 Bases, Front Spot). All have

unique jobs and work together to make the lifts, tosses, and catches possible.

Back: The Back is the President of the stunt group and most trust-worthy students.

Their jobs include ensuring stunt group safety prior to starting any stunt, and at ALL time

protecting the Head, Neck, and shoulders of the Flyer. The Back is the only individual

who communicates with the Flyer before, and during a stunt.

Flyer: The Flyer is the Vice-President of the stunt group. They are the ones who get

lifted, tossed, and caught in the Stunts. They must have great trust, be able to stay tight

and stiff when off the ground, and are usually the more slender, smaller in stature, and

flexible.

Bases: There are two bases in a stunt group. They are known as the Janitors because

they do all the heavy lifting and often get over looked when it comes to praise! The

base partners must be similar in stature, height, and strength.

Front Spot: Optional position. Depending on the stability and numbers of students

having a Front Spot on the front of the Stunt Group is possible. They can support with

hands on contact, supporting Bases, and/or direct spotting.

Selecting Stunt Groups

Step 1- Have students line up tallest to shortest (without talking to work on

cooperation).

Step 2- Count how many students you have and divide by 4 (if you have extra numbers

look for a third base similar in size, a second flyer or a Back to switch in & out)

Step 3- Select your Backs: taller students, strong in build & stature. Your Backs are the

President of the stunt group and must be the most responsible and trustworthy

students.

Step 4- Select your Flyers: usually the shorter, slighter built students, however they

must be willing to trust others and be lifted.

Step 5- Select your Base Partners: While selecting Backs & Flyers keep in mind you are

also selecting Base Partners. Two students with similar build, strength, and must be

approximately the same height.

Step 6- Putting the Stunt groups together. The Back must be strong enough to control

the weight and height of the Flyer. The Bases must be able to handle the weight of the

Flyer.

Please keep in mind the maturity and responsibility level of your students when making

groups. If I have a silly Base team ensure the Back and/or Flyer in that group are

mature.

Safety & Spotting Activities

Priority: These activities should be done in the first class before any student is put into

any Cheerleading Stunt.

Activity: Bear Hug

Discussion- Physical contact is a must in Cheerleading due to the nature of lifting,

holding, and catching. It is important to have a conversation about proper technique of

catching and how that doesn’t include inappropriate contact with classmates’ private

areas. Students need to feel comfortable catching because it could mean the

prevention of injury. Students put aside their personal bubbles when it comes to

Cheerleading Stunting but once the group is done the bubbles return. This activity is to

teach students proper technique in catching and to break those personal bubbles.

Activity Description- Have the Backs and Bases in lines or a circle spaced about an arms-

length apart. The Flyers walk along the line, in front of the backs/bases.

The Flyer jumps like a pencil in front of the back/base and the back/base must bear hug

catching the Flyer (one arm high & one arm low) and pull them into their chest.

When the Bear Hug is done properly the Flyer’s feet should not touch the ground. This

activity gives the Flyers confidence in the Backs and Bases ability to hold their body

weight, along with teaching basic catching skills to the all members.

Activity: Plank It

Discussion- To prevent injury of any stunt group member it is important for the Flyers to

understand how to remain ‘tight’. This is when you squeeze every muscle in your body

firm which allows Flyers to be lifted, tossed, and caught more easily. This activity also

provides an opportunity to discuss the Backs and Bases responsibilities.

Activity Description- The Flyer lays on the floor and becomes tight. The Back (in charge

of the head/neck) places their hands under the Flyer’s shoulders. The Bases (in charge

from the chest to the toes) kneels on either side of the body and places a hand under

the middle of the back and one hand under the knee. Together the three lifters raise

the Flyer (still being tight) up to their kneeling chest level, hold, and lower back safely to

the ground. (Have the students repeat the same activity several times)

Loosey Goosey Version- Have the Flyer go limp and have the group repeat the activity.

Use this as a teachable moment to reinforce the importance of being tight (always finish

this activity with a ‘tight’ version to reinforce what you’re looking for).

Note: When Loosey Goosey the Flyer feels heavier, harder to grip, more challenging to

lift, etc.

As the instructor, watch for which groups are taking this activity seriously because it is a

good gage to how they will treat the Cheerleading Stunts.

Activity: Pendulum

Discussion- The stunt groups must now work together using all we’ve already discussed

Flyer must be tight and Bases are learning to catch and absorb the Flyer’s body weight.

Discuss the importance of catching the Flyer with their hands, absorb the weight

towards their bodies, using a basketball defensive stance or lung (absorb with legs).

Bad Pass/Bad Fall: If something goes wrong discuss with the students prior to the

activity about safely falling with the Flyer.

Activity Description- The Flyer stands in the middle of the Stunt Group, arms across their

chest in an X, and remain tight (like in the Plank It activity). The Stunt Group forms a

circle around the flyer (you can place two stunt groups together – one flyer in the center

at a time). The Flyer falls and the base group must read & react working together to

catch & absorb the weight and return the Flyer to a standing position.

Once the Flyer and Stunt Group have built confidence in their ability have them pass the

Flyer from person to person. The Flyers feet should remain in the same spot at the

center of the circle.

Activity: Trust Falls

Discussion: Building Trust and confidence. Learning basic cheerleading catch/cradle

positions.

Activity Description: Using all three Stunt Group members have the Flyer fall from a

standing position, backwards. The Back is responsible for the head and neck therefore

they should be directly behind the Flyer. The Bases should be catching the back/legs

(one hand on the back/one on the legs) as the Flyer falls backwards.

Depending on the group you may explore doing the same activity from a raised surface

(eg: Off the bench, chair). ALWAYS with a proper mat under the fall/catch zone.

Stunting Dialogue

All Stunts begin with an important dialogue between the Back and Flyer. This is to

communicate to the entire group what is taking place (prior to starting) and then to

commence the Stunt.

The Back gets into position (hands on waist of Flyer) and quickly checks to see if the

Stunt Group appears to be in position to start.

Back: “Turtle Stunt, Ready?”

The Flyer then quickly makes sure the bases are in position and responds.

Flyer: “Ready!”

Back: “1-2”

The Stunt begins on 3-4 and continues until complete. “Turtle Stunt” is the stunt being

performed which would change as the Stunt Group Progresses.

STUNTING RULE: YOU DON’T GO UP IF…

1. Anyone in the group is being silly, isn’t listening, or is distracted

2. Someone is hurt/injured

3. You don’t remember what to do

4. You don’t know how to get down

Stunt: Double Turtle

Backs Flyer Bases

1. Backs take a firm grip

on the waist/hips of the

Flyer

2. Backs begin the

Dialogue (above) when

they see their Stunt

Group is prepared

3. After the Dialogue they

lift the Flyer using the

Flyer’s hop to gently

lower the Flyer onto

the bases

4. Hold the waist firmly

during the Stunt to

provide stability & lift

some of the weight off

the Bases

1. Standing behind the

Bases.

2. Grips the Back’s wrists

3. After the dialogue

(above) the Flyer does

a small hop onto the

Bases (Stay Tight)

**FLYERS ARE TO PLACE

THEIR FEET BETWEEN THE

SHOULDER BLADES ON

THE SPINE. NOT ON THE

LOWER BACK.

4. Flyers hit the crowd (by

doing a High V/placing

their arms in the air)

1. Kneeling, side by side

facing forward

2. Place forearms on mat

and huddle in like a

rock or turtle shape

(knees to chest)

3. Make sure they are a

stable base

GETTING DOWN

1. The Back calls “Pop Off

Ready?”

2. Once the Flyer has

responded the Back

calls 1-2 and lifts the

Flyer off the Bases to

the original position on

the floor

1. The Flyer takes the

backs wrists again and

then responds to the

Backs call. “Ready”

Stunt: Kneeling Thigh Stand

Backs Flyer Bases



Flyer

2. Backs begin the



Group is prepared





the Bases


during the Stunt to



the Bases


Bases

2. The Flyer places their

hands on the shoulders

of the Bases (in an L

shape)




bases (Stay Tight)


THEIR FEET AS CLOSE TO

THE HIP JOINT AS

POSSIBLE (NOT: OVER THE

KNEE or IN THE MIDDLE OF

THE THIGH)




1. Kneeling, facing each

other (one knee on the

floor/one up bent at a

90 degree)

2. Bent knee must be at

90 degrees and knee

straight over the ankle

3. Turn out the leg on the

floor to create a more

stable base

4. When the Flyer stands

on your leg/hip joint

hold their ankle with

both hands to improve

stability

5. Watch the Flyer at all

times while they are off

the ground.

GETTING DOWN


Ready?”


responded the Back



the original position

1. The Flyer takes the

Backs wrists again and

then responds to the

Backs call. “Ready”

1. Bases release their grip

on the ankle after the

1-2 count from the

Back

Stunt: Thigh Stand

Backs Flyer Bases



Flyer

2. Backs begin the



Group is prepared





the Bases


during the Stunt to



the Bases


Bases.




shape)




bases (Stay Tight) or

Step Up (see next page)


THEIR FEET AS CLOSE TO

THE HIP JOINT AS

POSSIBLE (NOT: OVER THE

KNEE / MIDDLE OF THIGH)




1. Standing, facing each

other

2. Leg closes to the Flyer

is in a lung (bent knee)

3. The Bases back leg

straight and foot

turned to brace

themselves from

moving

4. When the Flyer stands

on the leg/hip joint the

Base wraps their

arm/elbow around the

knee to improve

stability

5. Watch the Flyer at all

times while they are off

the ground.

GETTING DOWN


Ready?”


responded the Back



the original position on

1. When prepared the

Flyer responds “Ready”

2. The Flyer can take the

backs wrists (or the

shoulders of the Bases)

for this dismount

1. Bases release their grip

on the knee after the 1-

2 count from the Back

T-DISMOUNT (Thigh Stand Dismount)

1. The Back calls “T

Down” Ready?”


responded the Back

calls 1-2 and helps lift

the Flyer off the Bases

and lowers the Flyer

slowly to the floor

IN FRONT OF THE BASES

1. The Flyer puts their

arms in ‘T’ at chest

level and squeezes

their muscles tight to

become rigid

2. Once the Bases have

their hands in position

and the Back makes the

call. The Flyer

responds “Ready”

1. The Bases reach up

with both hands (one

hand on the Flyer’s

wrist/forearm and the

other on the upper

arm)

2. Bases thumbs face

forward

3. When the Back says 1-2

the Bases begin to lift &

lower the Flyer to the

ground (3-4)

Below Demonstrates a Step Up Thigh Stand:

Four Corner Spotting

Four Corner Spotting is mandatory for learning chest level stunts or higher. Students

have been taught the essential skills for catching and reacting through the warm up

activities listed above. It may be essential to review the key points.

When Spotting:

1. Eyes on the Flyer the entire time

2. Hands at ready & prepared to catch (not crossed or at your side)

3. No Talking

4. Be no more than one step away from the stunt group

5. Read & React to the stunt

6. If something goes wrong step in, bear hug or catch the Flyer

Four Corner Spotting Set Up:

The Stunt Group Set up (seen here as circles)

4 Person Stunt Group 5 Person Stunt Group

The Four Corner Spots set up around the stunt group (seen here as squares).

Place the two strongest spotters on opposite corners. The spotters should listen for the

Backs direction (Backs are now responsible for checking to make sure spotters are in the

right spots and are paying attention prior to starting a chest level or higher stunt).

Learning Step for Double Base: Frog

Backs Flyer Bases



Flyer

2. Backs begin the



Group is prepared




get into the Bases

hands

4. Switch hands to ankles

(be sure to have good

position in case the

Flyer falls backwards)

5. Hold the ankles firmly

& lift some of the

weight off the Bases


Bases




shape)


(above) the Flyer does a

small hop onto the

Bases hands

4. The Flyer stays in a

crouched position

(holding some of their

own weight on the

shoulders of the bases)

FROG Technique:

- Feet/knees together

- Bum Up (above knees)

- Head & Chest Up

- Arms in Wings (holding

weight)

1. Stand in front, facing

each other (pretty close

together)

2. Bases squat like sitting

in a chair (Back

straight)

3. Hands in ‘cup of soup'

at belly button height

(hands should be close

to the body)

4. Bases watch and catch

one of the Flyer’s feet

as the Flyer jumps into

the Bases hands

5. For the Frog bases

remain holding the

Flyers foot at

waist/belly button level

** MAKE SURE BASES

HAVE THEIR SPINE

STRAIGHT & THEIR ABS

TIGHT

GETTING DOWN

1. Back calls “Down” & all

lower flyer to ground.

1. Lower the Flyer to the

ground safely

Learning Step for Double Base: Sponge/Press Up Double Base

Backs Flyer Bases



Flyer

2. Backs begin the



Group and Spotters are

prepared





the bases hands


(be sure to have good

position in case the

Flyer falls backwards)

5. Allow time for proper

positioning & count 1-2

the Stunt Group

sinks/sponges down

with their knees and

lifts the Flyers foot up

to Bases chest level


& lift some of the


7. Be ready for falls!


Bases




shape)




bases hands

4. Flyer stays in a

crouched position

(holding some of their

own weight on the

shoulders of the bases)

5. Same technique as the

FROG

6. The Back calls 1-2 the

Flyer sinks/sponges

with the Group and as

the Flyer is being lifted

they PUSH OFF the

Bases shoulders to

stand up

7. Stand Up and remains

“Tight”


each other (pretty close

together)


in a chair (Back

straight) Hands in ‘cup

of soup' at belly button

height (hands should

be close to the body)




the Bases hands

4. Hold in Frog and wait

for the Back to call 1-2

5. When the Back calls 1-2

Bases respond by

moving on 3-4 sinking

with their legs (not

hands) and moving

their hands up to their

chest

6. Rotate hands to heel

and toe (heel/toe)

7. Settle the foot by

holding it close to your

chest. WATCH FLYER!

Stunt: Double Base

Backs Flyer Bases



Flyer

2. Backs begin the



Group and Spotters are

prepared





the bases hands


(fast) as the group

sponges down and

moves to chest level


& lift some of the



Bases




shape)




bases hands in proper

FROG positioning

4. The Flyer pushes off

the Bases shoulders

and stands up as

they’re being lifted.

5. Squeeze EVERYTHING!


each other (close)


in a chair (Back

straight) Hands in ‘cup

of soup' at belly button

height (hands should

be close to the body)




the Bases hands, Bases

immediately sponge

and lift right to chests

4. Rotate hands to heel

and toe (heel/toe)

while in motion

5. Settle the foot by

holding it close to your

chest. WATCH FLYER!

GETTING DOWN

“Off the Front”

1. Once the Flyer has the

Spotters hands the back

calls “Down” and

together lower the Flyer

gently to the ground

2. Flyer bends over and

takes the hands of a

Spotter (for stability)

1. Once the Flyer has the

Spotters hands lower

the Flyer gently to the

ground

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