How to Be a Base in Cheerleading

At the core of any successful cheerleading team are the strong, dedicated cheerleaders who form the base, or foundation, of every stunt set. A cheerleader base stays on the ground, lifting other cheerleaders into position to perform the high-flying stunts and intricate pyramids for which successful cheer squads are known. Though the fliers draw the applause, the cheerleading base is responsible for the safety and security of the team, and for making those stunts possible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop your overall body strength, and pay special attention to your legs, hips and core muscles. Proper lifting techniques involve pushing up, lifting and throwing from your legs and not your back muscles. Build your arms and shoulders as well to develop the strength needed to hold cheerleaders in position and catch fliers as they land.

    • 2

      Practice the correct posture: back straight, bending with your legs and standing straight. Use this as your base posture during stunts, ensuring that the weight of other cheerleaders is on your legs and teaching you to stay still once a flier is in the air. Remember, once you throw a flier, you should step into position to catch and not move until the cheerleader lands, to avoid catching her out of position, injuring your back or being out of position when she lands.

    • 3

      Study the proper catching techniques, including basic catches and catch assisting techniques. Note that spotters handle most of the flier catches, but bases should be able to handle this responsibility if a spotter is out of position.

    • 4

      Develop a regular endurance training workout. Include cardiovascular exercises, such as running, aerobic exercises and stair exercises. Keep a smile on your face while you work out, because you are expected to look happy and excited while cheering, even during the challenging stunts and demanding cheers.

    • 5

      Include light weight training exercises in your daily workout, to build muscle and develop muscular endurance. Include leg exercises, core exercises, shoulder and arm exercises. Set weight machines to half your maximum lift capacity, and perform three sets of 12 repetitions of each exercise. Repeat your weight training program four or five times each week during the cheerleading season.

    • 6

      Sign up for cheerleading tryouts at your school and tell your coach you want to be a team base. If your coach asks, describe your training regimen and dedication to the team and let her know that you are ready to excel as a base for the team.