How to Do Cheerleading Basket Tosses

The ability to perform basket tosses is reserved for intermediate to advanced level cheerleading squads. It is considered a stunt and should only be performed after multiple practices under the supervision of an experienced coach or instructor. Basket tosses incorporate the skills of bases, flyers, catchers and spotters.

Things You'll Need

  • Cheerleading coach or instructor
  • Two spotters
  • Floor with mats
  • Intermediate or advanced level flyer
  • Two to three bases
  • One to two catchers
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Instructions

  1. Do Cheerleading Basket Tosses

    • 1

      Gather at least two bases, one catcher, two spotters and one flyer. The flyer is the team member who is tossed into the air. She must be light, flexible and have impeccable balance.

    • 2

      Line the bases and catchers up around the flyer facing each other. The bases must be strong, stable, balanced and focused. The catchers must be experienced at following through on the catch so the flyer doesn't suffer any whiplash-like injuries.

    • 3

      Allow the bases to grab a hold of one another's wrists to create a platform, or "basket," for the flyer to stand on.

    • 4

      Direct the back base or one of the catchers to place one hand on the flyer's back and the other just below her buttocks.

    • 5

      Count together as the flyer grips the two side bases' shoulders. On the specified count, all three bases throw the flyer into the air directly upwards.

    • 6

      Instruct the flyer to perform a pose. Once the flyer is in the air, she should perform a tuck, pike, spread eagle, toe-touch or flips. There should be spotters around at all times, just in case the flyer falls or is out of sync with the catchers and bases.

    • 7

      Have the flyer sit into her descent into the cradle position for a safe catch. Arms should be out in a "T" position for the bases to grab.

    • 8

      Place the bases and catchers in a circle with arms up, ready to catch the flyer. The back catchers should place their hands on the flyer's back and buttocks for support. The bases then gently pull the flyer forward to her feet.