How to Do a Tick Tock Stunt

For groups who really want to do something more advanced, the tick tock is a challenging stunt for the whole of the cheerleading squad to perform together. Before learning the tick tock, the team should already be able to execute putting up and cradling from a liberty. The stunt involves the group popping the flyer from the base, to a height where she can switch feet in the air. Synchronicity is key for the tick tock, so it is advisable that members practice the moves first without a flyer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start in an extended liberty position, with the main base positioned directly under the flyer, holding most of the flyer's weight in her hands. The secondary base should add support by standing a little to the side. The back base can either support with her hands around the ankle of the flyer, or move one hand to the buttocks. The flyer keeps her supported leg locked and upright, while the unsupported leg is bent. If she is able, the flyer can have the unsupported leg in an advanced position, such as a heel stretch.

    • 2

      Set up as if you were going to perform a cradle. The back base counts to two, followed by "down" to signal to the side bases to bend their knees, keeping their arms straight. The back base calls "up" as the side bases execute the pop, lifting the flyer up.

    • 3

      Perform the foot switch at the height of the pop, when the side bases have released the flyer's foot. The back base helps the flyer to rise high enough to switch legs, by pushing up the flyer's leg. The supported and unsupported legs have now reversed. The flyer must ensure she keeps her body straight and arms locked.

    • 4

      Catch the flyer's foot as she retreats downward, initially using the main base as the catcher, and then adding support from the secondary base. The back base should then return her hands to the same position as at the start of the stunt.