Stunt School: November/December 2011
by Craig Callaway
photos by Jeff Dickerson
For most team, the Liberty is one of the most sought-after skills. In competitions, it’s standard. Did you know there’s a variety of names for this skill? Here’s the most common.
These skills are legal for schools and USASF Levels 3 and up.
NOTE: If the top girl is held with her foot at chest level, in “T”’s called a torch, then these skills would be legal at USASF level 2. If held at waist level, then they are legal for USASF level 1 also.
1. POST/PEG LEG/PLATFORM
This is usually the first position learned when working on extended one-leg stunts. The top girl stands on her right leg with her feet together and her hands at her sides.
2. LIBERTY
The top girl stands on her right leg with her left leg bent. Her foot is pressed to the side of her leg, with her toe pointed down towards the floor.
3. HEEL STRETCH
The top girl kicks her left leg up and catches her foot. Her arms should be in a High “V”, with one hand holding the foot from behind, grabbing in the middle of the foot.
4. FRONT STRETCH/BOW-N-ARROW
In this skill, it’s all about the flyer’s flexibility. There are four different ways to grab a Front Stretch. The first is with both hands at the ankle/foot. The second is to grab the foot in a Heel Stretch (with one hand), but with the leg straight up. The third is the standard Bow-N-Arrow grip, which is where the top girl grabs her extended left leg with her right hand, then reaches between her leg and her body to hit “T” motion with her left arm in front of the leg. The fourth way is with the same “T” motion, but the arm is behind the leg instead of in front. Again, it’s all about the leg flexibility, not the arm placement.
5. SCORPION
The top girl grabs her left leg and pulls it up behind her. If done right, it’ll look like a scorpion tail.
6. SCALE
The top girl grabs her left leg between the ankle and the knee, then pulls up to a High “V”. The goal is to have a straight extended leg.
7. ARABESQUE
The top girl holds her arms in a “T” motion and extends her leg behind her. The higher the leg goes, the better it’ll look.
8. HIGH TORCH
This is basically a Liberty from a side view. The top girl turns her upper body towards the audience, in a High “V.”
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6 responses so far ↓
Kelsie Honaker Nov 9, 2011 at 2:05 pm
I think this is very pretty. You should try to put a up down first and then do a switch up to a heel stretch and then follow everything else the same.(:
kamaria Nov 13, 2011 at 12:32 pm
it shows everything im looking for!!!!! thanks american cheerleader
Jenna Nov 27, 2011 at 6:10 pm
thank youu im a flyer and this reallly helped thanks
McKayla Dec 25, 2011 at 4:23 pm
wow i would luv to do that stunt.
Coralys May 29, 2012 at 4:15 pm
woowww thats really cool im a base i wish i could be a flyer
Amber Dec 6, 2012 at 4:28 pm
i have always wanted to be aflyer but my mom said it was too dangerous so i have never had a chance to be a flyer. but i still lift in my front yard with my friends. cheerleading has always been my dream since i was 5 oneday i will make it come true thanks american cheerleader
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