How to Do Proper Spotting for Cheerleading

Knowing how to do proper spotting for cheerleading is essential for the safety of the cheerleading squad; it’s one of the most important positions on the team and should not be taken lightly. The person on the top of a stunt is called a flyer and the people that are on the base of the stunt are called bases. The spotter is the one that will be responsible for keeping the flyer safe and also for counting off. Spotting is also done in cheerleading when practicing tumbling and jumps, by aiding and supporting the move. Here are ways to do proper spotting in cheerleading.

Instructions

    • 1

      Do back spotting for most stunts. The back spotter will be the one that watches for any dangers and protects the flyer when falling. This spotting position also helps the flyer up and keeps her steady by holding her ankles when she is about to fly. The back spotter will usually count off by saying something like “one, two, down, up” and this will instruct the bases to begin the stunt.

    • 2

      Use a front spotter for learning new stunts. The front spotting position is basically for helping to balance a new flyer that may be attempting a new feat. The front spotter will usually hold the wrists of the two bases for support and then hold the ankles of the flyer to steady the mount while staying alert to chances of a fall.

    • 3

      Add an additional spotter for extra precaution when needed. This person can stand anywhere near the stunt, back, front or side, as long as they are in reach of a falling flyer. All of the spotters should always stand with their arms extended in the air to catch the flyer the furthest from the ground to prevent injury.

    • 4

      Utilize double back spotting for more than one flyer. Double back spotting can also be used for more difficult stunts or ones that the flyer may be inexperienced in doing. In proper back spotting, both spotters will stand behind and a bit to the side. If you are one of the two back spotters, then you should stand close enough on each side to steady the flyer or to catch her if she falls.

    • 5

      Be attentive and fast thinking. One of the most important things for proper spotting is to keep your eyes on the flyers and stay close to the stunts and the area in which the cheerleaders are performing. Take your job of spotting very seriously because you will be the most valuable member of the cheerleading squad.