How to Practice a Basket Toss

The basket toss was demonstrated by the Universal Cheerleading Association in 1979 and soon become a hallmark at all cheerleading events. The stunt involves bases, a front spot, a back spot and a flyer. The flyer is lifted to shoulder height and then "tossed" into the air. The bases and spotters then catch the flyer after the jump. The stunt requires rigorous practice to ensure the safety of all involved.

Things You'll Need

  • Swiss Ball
  • Medicine Ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice projecting the flyer straight up into the air. If she is launched forward or backward, there will be no one to catch her. While all involved work together, the back spot is responsible for most of the stability of the flyer. To practice, the back spot should position his hands around a medicine ball the same way he would around the flyer. Then repeatedly throw the ball straight into the air, making sure it comes straight back down with minimal rotation.

    • 2

      Practice "flying" a Swiss ball rather than a flyer. The three bases should practice together as they are trying to create one uniform trajectory. Positioned for a basket toss, the bases will launch the Swiss ball into the air. The ball should not rotate or fall to any particular side. Upon landing, the team should absorb the impact of the ball as it would a flyer.

    • 3

      Practice timing as a group. Bases will practice with the Swiss ball and the back spot will practice with the medicine ball. Both groups will say the eight-count out loud and then simultaneously throw their balls into the air. Neither ball should rotate, and both should come straight back down.