Coach's Corner

STUNTS

Safety Tips

1. ALWAYS have an advisor, coach or adult watching at all times.
2. If anyone feels uncomfortable or unsure about a stunt, don't do it.
3. Always be serious about what you are doing. If someone can't stop laughing, take a break.
4. Spotters and bases- never take your eyes off the flyer, they are trusting you.
5. Flyers- be sure that you have complete trust in your bases and spotters.
6. Be sure you're on a good surface such as cheerleading mats. (Don't build on concrete, ouch!)

Terms

Base(s)- The person(s) holding the weight of the flyer.

Flyer- The person who flies! AKA the one not afraid of heights.

Spotter(s)- The person(s) who helps the flyer get up into the stunt, helps catch and never takes her eyes off the flyer. However, a spotter cannot hold any weight because then she would be considered a base. The spotter is also responsible for all counting. She is the ONLY person who should count.

Strengthening

Everyone involved in a stunt needs to be strong. You may not think so, but to be a good flyer one must be strong-- just as strong as the bases! The following exercises are for bases, flyers and spotters.

1) Strengthen your arms by doing upside down pushups. Do a handstand against the wall, using the wall to keep your balance. Your fingertips should be touching the wall. Lower your body and push up. Do this 3 times. Work up to 10-15 times.

2) Strengthen your legs by doing lunges across a room. With your hands on your hips take one step forward. Bend your knees so that your back knee almost touches the ground. Keep good posture, straight back! Go easy at first with this exercise. You may not feel much while you are doing it, but you'll feel it the next day.

3) You can strengthen your wrists just by using a can of soup (any can will work). Hold the can in your hand with your palm facing upward. Lift the can up and down, not going too fast. Start with 2 sets of 20 on each wrist. Work your way up to more as you get stronger.