High School Cheerleading Stunts

G-O T-E-A-M G-O!

Let’s face it: the main reason people love cheerleaders, other than their fun little skirts and pom poms is for their stunts and jumps. These high school cheerleading stunts are quick and easy to learn and go a long way towards impressing a crowd and getting some attention for the home team!

Stunting 101

Always remember to practice the high school cheerleading stunts in a comfortable, cushioned space. When practicing stunts, everyone should be giving their full attention to the task at hand. If any squad members are unable to focus on the stunt, take a 10-minute break and return to the stunt fully energized and ready to concentrate.

Never execute any stunts that the squad doesn’t feel 100% on, because safety is always the number one concern in any cheerleading routine. The flyers must be able to place their complete trust in the spotters and bases. Always have a coach or adult watching at all times when practicing high school cheerleading stunts.

Beginner Stunts: Shoulder sit & L-Stand

First, here are some beginner high school cheerleading stunts: the shoulder sit and the L-stand. For the shoulder sit, the base lunges forward with their stronger leg, usually the right leg, such that the thigh is parallel with the ground. The other leg, usually the left leg, remains straight.

From behind the base, the flyer places their right foot in the base’s pocket, which is the area high up on the base’s thigh as close to the hip as possible. By putting all their weight on their base’s hip, the flyer jumps into the air, pushing up off the base’s shoulder.

At the same time, the flyer swings their left leg over the base’s shoulder, and then they bring their right leg up around the base’s right shoulder. Once the flyer has their balance, the base stands up. To dismount from this stunt the base grabs their flyer’s hands under their legs and bends down so that the flyer can pop off backwards, landing in the same position that they started the jump.

Next try executing the L stand. This stunt begins the same way as the shoulder sit: the base lunging with their dominant leg, often the right leg. The flyer steps into the pocket with her right foot as the base wraps her arm around the flyer’s leg.

For the lift, the flyer pushes herself up using the bases shoulders. Locking her right leg, she lifts her left leg until it is parallel with the ground, making an "L" shape with her upper body and leg. The back spot it in charge of helping the flyer make it up on the base’s shoulders, and making sure the left leg is in the correct position.

Once the flyer is up on the base’s shoulders, the base can use her left hand to hold the flyer’s left leg. To dismount, the base either brings the flyer’s left leg over the front or gently sets it down in the back, and the flyer follows appropriately.

Give these two high school cheerleading stunts a try at your next practice.

Sandra-Leigh Washington has developed a unique approach to coaching cheerleading, to learn more please visit her website:

Cheerleading Cheers, Chants, and Stunts