How to Keep Stunts Safe in Cheerleading

Cheerleading stunts require a number of risks. Any time you implement a stunt, you're trusting someone else to keep you safe. If you've taken the appropriate safety precautions, these risks are acceptable. You'll execute your stunts without much risk to injury. Before trying any stunt, even those you've done many times before or those done at home away from practice, take all the necessary precautions to stay safe and injury-free.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all jewelry and tie your hair back into a pony tail. Wear the proper clothing and shoes. For example, never practice stunts in flip flops.

    • 2

      Use a spotter at all times. The spotter protects you from landing incorrectly and hurting yourself. For example, if you're flipping, the spotter makes sure you don't flip off of the mat or into any objects that could hurt you.

    • 3

      Stretch before any stunt. Your coach should help you and your squad develop a stretching routine best for you. Use it before you ever practice a stunt, even if you're not at practice.

    • 4

      Strengthen your core with pushups, situp and squats. Stunts require you to hold your own weight and sometimes the weight of another person. You can't support yourself or others if your core isn't in shape.

    • 5

      Practice the technique somewhere safe before attempting the stunt independently. For example, practice a back flip into a pool, from a diving board or side, before trying it on a mat.