Cheerleading Pyramids Stunts

How to Safely Perform Cheerleading Pyramids Stunts

1. Supervision: It is essential that not only the spotters, bases and flyers be completely alert and focused, but also that there be support staff such as coaches keeping a general eye on the entire rehearsal or performance.
2. Confidence: Since it is a higher level stunt, the squad as a whole needs to be confident in their abilities to work with each other. If anyone feels "off" or less than able to do the stunt, they shouldn't do it.
3. Proper Surface: Even the most experienced flyers fall sometimes, so pyramids should not be built on concrete. Mats or soft grass are preferable, as long as the bases have steady footing.

Building a Pyramid

There are many different ways to build a pyramid, but the key factor in all of them lies in the simple name itself: the pyramid. This implies a central "point" or focus, with the rest of the pyramid being built to the sides symmetrically.

And example of this concept is the "Double Lib Extension." There are two "Liberty" stunts on either side of a center half-extension. On the beginning of a count (usually signaled by the advisor or coach in practice and the spotters in the performance) the two liberty flyers are pushed up into the full height of the stunt. However, each of them will put their inside foot into the hands of the extension, turning the flyer in the middle into a kind of base.

Usually this pose is held long enough for the position to feel secure, and then on another counted signal the center flyer will push the two feet of the liberty flyers into a full heel extension stretch. The side flyers will put their hands either on a hip or extended out (or one of each). Dismounting from this pose may involve the Liberty flyers tumbling into a "cradle" catch, or the entire group lowering down. If it's the latter, the center flyer needs to be careful not to let go either too soon or too late, to avoid the side flyers losing their balance as they descend.

Adding Complexity

The Double Lib Extension is a relatively basic form of the pyramid. It can be made more complex by changing any number of factors. The side Liberty flyers can rotate their bodies away from the center after she grabs their feet, which turns the lifted feet into a version of the arabesque position. If the two side flyers are very stable, the center flyer can do another half extension and use them as bases as well.

Another way to increase the complexity of pyramids stunts is to add more positions and flyers. For example, the "Tri-Hitch" uses five groups including a shoulder sit, a shoulder stand, two side Liberties and one back Liberty. In these kinds of complicated stunts, it is very important to have appropriate and experienced supervision because there is a very specific order in which each flyer is lifted. As they go up, each becomes a kind of stepping stone for the next level of the pyramid, whether it be vertical or horizontal.

Once everything in a pyramid has gone up, usually the cheerleaders will strike some kind of pose such as a "Muscle Man" or chant and cheer. The release is done on just as precise a count as when the flyers went up, in order to make sure no one is hurt. After that, it's just spiriting off in all directions, full of smiles and accomplishment and the appreciation of the crowd.