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Last updated: Dec 12, 2023
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Cheerleading is a popular sport in America, and like many other sports, it has designated positions. Cheerleading positions are only useful in cheer routines that require stunts to be performed. Otherwise, a cheerleader’s position is where they have to stand on the mat, court, or field at any time in their routine.Read on to learn a lot of in-depth information about each role, so that you can be a more educated cheerleader or cheerleading fan.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Positions in Cheerleading?
- The Base Position
- The Backspot Position
- The FlyerPosition
- FAQ
What Are the Positions in Cheerleading?
The three main positions of cheerleading are the base, the backspot, and the flyer.Although there are only three main positions in cheer, there are a lot of cheerleaders that take on these positions during a routine, as more than one cheerleader on a squad can be a flyer, backspot, or base.
The Base Position
The base is who you will see at the bottom of a pyramid or stunt, lifting the flyerup and holding them while they are performing their stunts.Every stunt, routine, and cheer squad needs a solid base to be successful. Bases are usually taller, bigger, and stronger than the other positions since they need to lift, throw, and support the flyer.In many cases, if a cheerleading squad has male members, they will serve as bases.
Bases should attempt to get their power from their legs and allow it to travel up to their arms so they can avoid any back or neck injuries from straining themselves.Bases should have great timing to avoid any slips or drops and should always make sure their feet are properly placed and spaced. Most importantly, a base should never drop a flyer.
Types of Bases
Often, there is more than one base in a single cheerleading routine. To differentiate between multiple bases these terms are used:
- Main Base
- Secondary Base/Side Base
The Backspot Position
The backspot, or spotter, is a very important position that works to help the flyerkeep their balance and should be the first to catch the flyerif they fall. This means that they perform many different roles within a cheer routine. Backspots are also typically taller in stature and placed in front of or behind the stunt.
The spotter should always know how to properly catch the flyerso they do not injure their head or neck during the fall, since safety should always be their concern. The backspot will also call things out during a stunt or keep the count so each cheerleader can stay on rhythm.While this position is not the face of the routine, they are absolutely vital to each stunt.
Types of Spotters
Within the spotting position spotters may fall under these three categories:
- Additional Spot
- Back Spot
- Front Spot
The FlyerPosition
Flyers are the cheerleaders who are lifted and thrown during various stunts in a routine.The flyeris the face of the cheer routine and the person who is working on getting the crowd involved.They are typically smaller and lighter than the other positions and are usually the most flexible and agile. Along with balance, coordination, and energy, flyers have to have trust in their bases and spotters to catch them so that they are confident in their moves.
They must stick to the count for each move and perform their stunts perfectly. A flyerhas to perform flips and twists in the air gracefully, land safely, and continue on with their routine. Being the center of the crowd’s attention does not leave much room for mistakes as a flyer.
Flyer Additional Names
The flyer position is also sometimes referred to as:
- Climber
- Floater
- Mounter
- Top girl
FAQ
What are cheerleader roles?
Cheerleading roles are another term to describe cheerleading positions. Like any other competitive team sport, a cheerleading squad is made up of several athletes each performing specific duties for the benefit of the team. There are three primary positions a cheerleader can fill, these include: base, backspot, and flyer.
What is the hardest position in cheerleading?
The hardest position in cheerleading is the base.Every stunt needs a solid foundation in order to be successful! The bases must have solid footing, solid holds, and be able to catch flyers at any moment during the routine.The bases also need to have incredible timing and be able to perform moves at the same time since their support can prevent injuries or costly mistakes.
What is the best cheerleading position to be?
Most people would argue that the flyeris the best position to be in since they are typically the faces of the squad.Flyers get to perform the eye-catching stunts that fans love during routines, and typically get to interact with the crowd more and show off their skills in the flashiest way. For people who like to be at the center of the crowd’s attention, flyer isthe perfect position.
What is a spotter in cheerleading?
A spotter is someone who provides support for the base and the flyerin a cheerleading stunt. A backspot, the most common type of spotter, helps by holding the ankles, calves, or waist of the flyer. A front spot, meanwhile, is there to help catch the flyerat the end of a particular stunt. In higher-level competition, it is common to have additional spotters, especially when there is only one base.
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Pages Related to Cheerleading Team Positions
- List of Cheerleading Facts
- 5 Most Common Cheerleading Injuries
- Cheerleading Basics
- List of Cheerleading Skills
- Best Cheerleading Books
- Top 10 Best Cheerleading Teams
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