Proper Position for Thigh Stands

While some cheerleading stunts -- liberties and herkies, for example -- have names that don't describe the movements, the thigh stand is clearly described by its name. In this beginning stunt, the top person stands on the thigh of the base. Thigh stands can be performed with a single base or two bases, with both versions using the same basic position.

  1. Base's Legs

    • The base or bases provide support for the top person, or flyer, throughout the thigh stand. The base stands in a side lunge, with one knee bent at approximately a 90-degree angle and the other leg straight. The bent leg is turned out so the toes and knee point to the side. To protect the bases' knees, the bent knee should point directly over the toes and should be positioned directly over the foot. Don't let the knee drift past the edge of the big toe, and don't let it bend farther than the tip of the big toe. If you're using two bases for the thigh stand, the bases' front feet should be lined up with their toes pointing toward each other.

    Flyer

    • As she steps onto the base's thigh, the flyer puts her foot into the hip pocket -- the crease where the thigh meets the pelvis -- of the leg with the bent knee. Using her hand on the base's shoulder for support, she pushes up and completely straightens her supporting leg. If you're doing a multiple-base thigh stand, the flyer would put her second foot in the hip pocket of the second base. For a single-base thigh stand, the flyer can hit a number of positions, including liberties and arabesques. Once her leg is straight and the thigh stand is solid, the flyer can take her hand off the base's shoulder and put it in a high V position.

    Base's Grip

    • While the flyer is stepping into the thigh stand, the base's grip takes on an important stabilizing role. The base should grab onto the flyer's foot with her outside hand and move it toward her hip pocket to ensure good foot placement. With the other hand, the base reaches behind the flyer's leg and wraps around her leg just above the knee. The tighter the base wraps her arm, the more stable the flyer will feel. The base should make a fist with this hand. When the flyer is securely in her position, the base can let go of the foot to hit a high V position, but she should not release the wrapped arm until it's time for the dismount.

    Safety Considerations

    • All cheerleading practices should be supervised by a qualified coach. Cheerleaders should always wear supportive athletic shoes and practice on safe surfaces. While spotters are not required for thigh stands even in Level 1 competitions, a spotter can help you learn how to get into and out of the thigh stand safely. For this stunt, the spotter should stand behind the flyer and hold onto her waist to help her step onto the base's thigh.