How to Do a Full Down from an Extension in Cheerleading

Cheerleading stunts are used to enhance the cheers and impress the crowd. The elevator stunt is often used as the base for other stunts, particularly those that launch the top cheerleader into the air. An elevator extension allows the stunt to be completed from a higher position because the base cheerleaders extend their arms over their heads. Once the cheerleaders have executed an elevator extension, the top cheerleader must dismount. One possible dismount is called a full down.

Instructions

  1. Top Cheerleader

    • 1

      Position yourselves into the extension elevator with two cheerleaders as the base, one cheerleader on top and one cheerleader in the back as a spotter.

    • 2

      Bend slightly at the knees, placing most of your weight on the balls of your feet. Push off of the base cheerleader's hands to launch yourself into the air.

    • 3

      Twist your body as you go up in the air by rotating your upper body toward the right and pulling your arms tight to your sides.

    • 4

      Bend at the waist slightly after you have completed one full rotation and extend your arms out straight to the sides.

    • 5

      Fall into the waiting arms of your team members.

    Base Cheerleaders

    • 6

      Press upward with your arms to help the top cheerleader achieve a maximum height when leaping from the top of the elevator extension.

    • 7

      Draw your arms in between you and the other base cheerleader to create a basket for the top cheerleader to land in. Bend your knees slightly to absorb the shock of impact.

    • 8

      Hold your arms stiff, yet slightly moveable to cushion the fall as much as possible without dropping the top cheerleader. Flex your knees as the cheerleader lands in your arms.

    • 9

      Tip your back arm -- the one closest to the spotter -- up and forward to tip the top cheerleader out of your arms and back onto the floor.