How to Do Cheerleading Full Downs

When a cheerleader performs a lift, she needs a way to exit out of it. A full down is an advanced way to exit a lift. During a full down, a flyer is held in the air by two bases as a spotter stands behind her. The cheerleaders in the base position toss the flyer, the flyer completes a 360-degree rotation, and the bases catch her.

Things You'll Need

  • Gymnastics mat
  • 4 cheerleaders (1 flyer and 3 bases)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get into a lift on top of a gymnastics mat. Place each foot into the hands of a cheerleader acting as a base. Lock your knees as the base cheerleaders elevate you into the lift. They hold your feet at their chest level. A third base stands behind you as a spotter.

    • 2

      Count off so that all of the bases are ready to toss you. Say "Three, two, one."

    • 3

      Be airborne when the two bases toss you slightly into the air.

    • 4

      Execute the full down. Reach for your pockets and turn your body a full rotation. Reach your left arm for a back pocket as the front arm reaches for a front pocket. The left arm stays stretched behind you as the right arm stays in front of you. Complete a full 360-degree rotation.

    • 5

      Snap into a pike position as the bases prepare to catch you.

    • 6

      Land in the arms of the base cheerleaders in the cradle position. The spotter helps to catch you from behind as the two other base cheerleaders make a cradle with their arms for you to land in.