FAD Blog: Cheerleading Tips for Bases and Flyers!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013

FAD Blog

cheerleading tips for bases and flyers!

Hi All,

I hope you all enjoyed last weeks blog ‘How to do the Coffee Grinder!’ and all the awesome tips and tricks from our FAD Master Class with Philipe Witana!

This week's blog is on based on our Cheerleading Classes

‘Cheerleading Tips for Bases and Flyers!’

As Cheerleaders we all sometimes think that the Flyers are the only ones that get all the attention and recognition at competitions and performances but the truth is that Cheerleading is a team sport and each position of the squad has its importance and all those bases out there need to remember that there would not be any flyers in the air without them! :-)

Tips for Bases:

Confidence! As bases you are the ones that can save a stunt if it is going to fall! You will be the ones that can keep it up there, but to do this you will need to have confidence in your ability and strength. If your flyer stays tight and controlled you will be able to move under the stunt to help keep it up there! Picture this; resting a pencil on your hand, you will not be able to keep it standing up unless you continue to move your hand to get underneath it! The pencil is your Flyer!
Timing! As bases all of you need to have perfect timing to stop the flyer going into the air like a wobble board! If you are going at different times the flyer will have no choice but to look like a wobble board when going into the air, practice your timing without the flyer first to make sure it is perfect! Back Base – this is your responsibility so you need to keep an eye on this.
Placement! The placement of the bases is very important. Side Bases you need to make sure you are not standing any further apart the flyers shoulder width (so if you have a tiny flyer get close and love each other!!) and back base you need to make sure you are standing as close to the side bases as possible! The further apart you are standing the harder it will be for you all!
Smile and have fun!!

Tips for Flyers:

Confidence! As flyers your attitude and confidence is very important, you need to believe that you can do it and not have fear – a helpful tip to remember; never have a half go at any skills, if you only half go at something or freak out half way through you are more likely to hurt yourself or your bases!
Trust – Flyers must have a lot of trust in their bases they are the people that are holding you off the floor, they will catch you – so trust them!! :-)
Stay Tight!! This is one of the most important thing that Flyers need to remember as it will be the main thing that could save a stunt, if it is going to fall. If you stay tight the bases will be able to move underneath you and help save the stunt to keep it up there. Make sure you squeeze your bottom; your belly and keep your chest up pulling up through your rib cage and shoulders!
Look up! Remember to keep your head up and look straight ahead – if you look down you will fall down!
Smile and Have fun!!!