Shoulder Stand Cheer Stunt How-To Guide
The cheerleading shoulder stand is the advanced version of the shoulder sit, and is performed in a 2-person stunt group (plus spotters). Practicing the beginner-level Shoulder Sit is a great way for your stunt team to work out any kinks, get familiar with the count series, and build trust before attempting the cheerleading shoulder stand.
Follow the Omni Cheer guide to discover the best way to practice this stunt under the guidance of your coach!
Timing is Everything!
Before any group attempts the shoulder stand cheer stunt, they should discuss and decide on a standard count series. Each and every move a stunt group performs should be done on counts, and it’s typically the spotter’s responsibility to keep the beat and call it out. Timing is critical in stunting, and new teams need to practice their timing as much as they practice their actual stunts.
Many stunts begin with a two-beat, “Ready, OK” count, where all positions bring their arms up and clap once on beat. This helps get everyone’s attention, lets them know to focus, and assures the entire group that everyone is ready. From there, the stunt group gets into formation, and the spotter begins the count series (typically based on an 8-beat count).
How To Perform A Cheerleading Shoulder Stand
The shoulder stand cheer stunt requires one flyer, at least one spotter, and at least one base. This is an intermediate-level stunt. Check out the responsibilities and instructions for each position below.
Base
- The base should get into a deep squat position with their arms in a T position to prepare for the cheerleading shoulder stand.
- The main body faces forward with the toes of their bent legs turned slightly sideways.
- One of their bent legs will act as a platform for the flyer’s foot.
- Once in position, the base should bend and begin to raise their arms toward a High V position, and grab the flyer’s hands.
- As the flyer rests their foot on the base’s leg, the base should hold their position as the flyer pops up and begins to pull their other foot up onto the base’s shoulder.
- When the flyer’s foot is settling on the base’s shoulder, the base should release the flyer’s hand and bring that now free hand down around the flyer’s ankle.
- The base should pull down firmly to root the flyer and give them extra stability.
- As the flyer is bringing their other foot up, the base can release their hand (the spotter will offer the flyer help) and bring it down to grip the flyer’s ankle when it settles.
- Simultaneously, the base will start to straighten their legs so they end in the standing position.
Flyers
The flyer will start the cheerleading shoulder stand standing behind the base.
- As the base lifts their arms up, the flyer should start to lift their arms also, coming into a High V position and gripping the base’s hands.
- Once the base has a firm grip on the flyer’s hands, the flyer should raise one leg and bring it up to rest on the base’s thigh.
- When the flyer’s foot is in position, they should dip down, then pop up, shifting their weight from their legs to their arms.
- During this move, the flyer should keep her core tight and use the leg that is resting on the base’s thigh to gain air.
- The spotter will help lift the flyer, and when the lift has reached a point where the flyer’s arms are almost straight, she should begin to swing her leg up to rest her foot on the base’s shoulder.
- The flyer’s other leg will also be pulling up, and once the other foot is secure, it should come up to rest on the other shoulder.
- Once the flyer is secure, she will release the base’s hands and stand up straight, hitting a High V motion with her arms.
Spotter
The spotter’s main responsibility is to support and guide the flyer, and of course, keep her from hitting the floor if anything goes wrong during the cheerleading shoulder stand.
- The spotter should stand directly behind the flyer with her hands on the flyer’s hips. The spotter’s grip should be firm, but not restricting.
- As the flyer and base start moving, the spotter should follow their movements — especially when the flyer dips and pops up.
- At this time, the spotter should help lift the flyer onto the base’s shoulders.
If the stunt group is still new to the cheerleading shoulder stand, the spotter should release the flyer’s hips once she is in position, but grip her calves or thighs for extra support. If the stunt group is a little more advanced, the spotter can let go of the flyer.
Letting go doesn’t mean the spotter’s job is over; they still need to stay directly behind the base and keep alert. Spotters also need to count out the series for the dismount.
FAQ
What conditioning or strength skills help with shoulder stands?
The skills you need for a cheerleading shoulder stand will depend on whether you’re the flyer, base, or spotter. Flyers should practice their balance with precise foot positioning and an engaged core. Bases should practice squatting to create a solid platform and shoulder conditioning to develop wider, more stable shoulders. Spotters will need to focus on their general awareness and reflexes, practicing catching flyers in every position.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when learning this stunt?
Your stance, posture, and grip strength are key in any position for the shoulder stand cheer stunt. Knees and toes must be aligned, while your shoulders should be directly over your hips with the glutes and core engaged. Grip strength is also a priority when flyers need to pull themselves into position and bases need to stabilize their flyers.
How many spotters should be used and where should they stand?
Your team should have at least one spotter for this stunt. If you have just one person for spotting, position them behind the flyer with their hands on the flyer’s hips to help them pop up into the standing pose. Additional flyers can stand to the sides and slightly in front of the base, just in case the flyer falls forward.
Can everyone do a cheerleading shoulder stand?
The shoulder stand cheer stunt is an intermediate skill that most cheerleaders with a few years of experience should be able to complete. However, your position in the stunt is determined by your training and skill set.
Practice With Your Squad
This guide should serve as an introduction to the basic steps for a cheerleading shoulder stand and should be used as a reference only. This guide should not be used to replace the instruction and supervision of a trained professional. Make sure you have your coach available to guide you every time you learn a new stunt.
