How to Become a Cheerleading Flyer

A cheerleading flyer leads cheers from the tops of pyramids and stunts, performing the motions and yelling the cheers while balancing in challenging positions high in the air. Following the stunt or pyramid, down comes the flyer, cradled by her bases, sometimes after a twist or tumble. Because of the demands on cheerleading flyers, to become one requires months or years and a set of skills improved and practiced constantly. The younger a cheerleader starts flying, the longer she has to develop the skills she'll need to perform complicated stunts to cheer competitively in the future.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take tumbling lessons from a gymnastics instructor experienced in coaching cheerleaders. Ask for practice in and exercises for body positioning to help with learning stunts and cradling, in addition to tumbling maneuvers.

    • 2

      Train and condition daily to build strength, stamina and flexibility. Stretch, run and train with weights to keep your body in optimal condition.

    • 3

      Learn and practice stunts only under the supervision of trained spotters and coaches. Master less advanced routines before moving on to more advanced stunts.

    • 4

      Try out for cheerleading at your school or local competitive cheer gym. As part of the registration or application process, let the coach know about your flying training and stunting skills. List your instructors and coaches as references if possible. Do not attempt stunts during tryouts with inexperienced stunt teams or without qualified spotters.

    • 5

      Show school and team spirit, smile, cheer to the best of your ability, and keep a good attitude whether you make it and whether the coach assigns you as a flyer. Keep up your skills; there's always next year.