Flying?

[shannon0512]

So I'm an all-star cheerleader (senior 1) and I fly in one stunt (the base holds me at her belly button). I've flown in a prep before, but I can't bump down? like I fall to the ground... tips for if I have to fly again?

 

[ChristyCheers]

Hi, I'd like to help, but I need a little more info. The problem could lie with technique on either your part or that of the base(s). When you say that the base holds you at her belly button, so you mean in a squishy/smoosh or are you stood up? Also are you being held by one, two, or three bases?

 

[WinstonsGirl]

I assume you're talking about smooth/sponging down from prep level?? If you're falling back, your butt is probably too low and if you're falling forward, you're probably over your toes. Keep your shoulders/chest and knees in line over your toes and slow yourself by getting your hands on your bases shoulders. You should be hitting the same load position you hit when you are loading in for a stunt. Keep your butt up - if it drops too low or close to your feet, you'll fall back out. Hope that helps, whiteout much more info.

 

[shannon0512]

Hi, I'd like to help, but I need a little more info. The problem could lie with technique on either your part or that of the base(s). When you say that the base holds you at her belly button, so you mean in a squishy/smoosh or are you stood up? Also are you being held by one, two, or three bases?

I'm in a heel stretch and I have one base and one backspot

 

[ChristyCheers]

I'm in a heel stretch and I have one base and one backspot

That would mean you are in a squishy heel stretch. Honestly, my team doesn't bump down from stunts held at squishy, only from prep level or above. From squishy heel stretches, the flyer pulls the stretch leg in tight to the supporting leg and the base lets her foot go so that she lands standing, while the back continues to hold her waist to keep her from tipping forward or back. We call this a 'direct drop'.

If you are falling when doing something similar to this, check:

1. That your base is dropping your foot in place, not throwing it forward or back,
2. That your back is keeping hold of your waist until you are safely on the floor and not pushing you out,
3. That you are using proper form-- back straight, bum in, chest lifted-- and that your knees bend slightly when you hit the floor to absorb the impact, but they do not bend so much that you lose balance or simply fall to the floor.

I hope this help. Let me know ;-)