How to Do a Toe Touch With a Basket

A basket toss is a cheerleading stunt that is considered to be advanced and should only be attempted by well-prepared squads. Incorporating the toe touch into the basket toss varies in difficulty, depending on the skill level of the flier. Before you attempt a stunt like this, make sure you have the appropriate number of people present for safety purposes. There should be one flier, two bases, and one spotter. If your squad is attempting this stunt for the first time, it's best to have additional spotters on hand in case of a mishap.

Instructions

    • 1

      Perfect the toe touch first, before you attempt to incorporate one into any stunt. A standing position is necessary to effectively improve a toe touch. To perform a solid toe touch, make fists and bring your arms from the side of your body in a half circle motion above your head. Your arms should be in a V-shape. Simultaneously lift your body so that you are on your toes. In a fluid sweeping motion, gain momentum by bringing your arms down in half circles so that your wrists pass each other and lock them out in front of you in a V-shape. Bring your legs off of the floor simultaneously. Your legs should be even with your arms, or a little elevated, behind them.

    • 2

      Set up the basket. The bases should face each other, approximately 15 to 17 inches apart. Bases bend at the knees and grab their own left wrist with their right hand while grabbing their partners left wrist. Hold tightly.

    • 3

      Place the flier into the basket. The flier puts his or her hands on the shoulders of the bases and on the count of two, mounts into the basket with his or her left foot in the basket and the right foot on the floor to provide momentum. The flier must keep his or her back slightly arched, and hold his or her weight in his or her arms. He or she must also stay in the crouched position while keeping the backside higher than the knees, as the bases give another count of two. The bases will keep their arms locked and bend with their knees. As the bases come up, they raise their locked arms approximately to the height of their head. The flier will push off their shoulders and will let go, putting his or her arms in a touchdown position as height is gained.

    • 4

      The flier hits the toe touch at the height of the stunt. In a quick motion, he or she pikes and snaps a toe touch, then re-spikes immediately. The bases and spotter should have their hands in a cradle catching position. The flier's arms should be square with his or her shoulders and level and bent a the elbow, hands in fists. Bases and the spotter should catch the flier as he or she lands.