Bases
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The position of base in Cheerleading is vital, for without bases the flyer wouldn't go up. The bases lift or throw the flyer and as the name implies, they are the base or foundation of a Cheerleading stunt or mount.
No one position on a squad should have more importance than another, Cheerleading is a team sport after all and it takes everyone (flyers, bases, spots) to complete a stunt to its full effect. But interestingly, in a recent poll in the About Cheerleading forum, basing was voted the most difficult position in Cheerleading, with flying coming in a close second. So, never underestimate the importance of being a base.
Although physical attributes may play a part in what position you fill (bases tend to be taller and stronger) it is your skill and ability that are important. And a well rounded Cheerleader can step in wherever she or he is needed.
Skills, Abilities and Tips on Basing
No one position on a squad should have more importance than another, Cheerleading is a team sport after all and it takes everyone (flyers, bases, spots) to complete a stunt to its full effect. But interestingly, in a recent poll in the About Cheerleading forum, basing was voted the most difficult position in Cheerleading, with flying coming in a close second. So, never underestimate the importance of being a base.
Although physical attributes may play a part in what position you fill (bases tend to be taller and stronger) it is your skill and ability that are important. And a well rounded Cheerleader can step in wherever she or he is needed.
Skills, Abilities and Tips on Basing
- Trust - This can't be stressed enough. You must trust your squad members and them you.
- Confidence - Know you can do it. Be confident and have a good attitude.
- Use Your Legs and Arms - Lift with your legs, that is where the majority of your strength should come from. It should progress from your legs to your shoulders and then your arms.
- Keep Your Back Straight - Bending your back or leaning will cause you to use your back to lift and may cause injuries to it.
- Timing - Bases must be in time with each other, they have to know when to dip, when to step and when to lock. Practice this without a flyer actually going up to avoid injuries. Synchronize your moves and make sure everyone knows what to do and when to do it.
- Foot Placement - Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to stabilize yourself and the stunt.
- Placement of Bases - Bases should stand no further than the flyer's shoulder width apart from each other.
- Don't talk during a stunt. Only the coach or person calling the stunt should talk.
- Know how to catch your flyer. Although this is technically the spotters job, a good base should be capable of catching the flyer and assisting. The flyer should never fall and hit the ground.
- Be prepared and alert at all times. Maintain good eye contact on the stunt and don't become distracted. Stay focused regardless of what is going on around you.
- Practice good safety guidelines. Safety should be your top priority.
- Smile and have fun.
Cheerleading Exercises for Bases Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/436502-cheerleading-exercises-for-bases/
Bases need immense strength to support the flyers but need to be flexible too. Bases especially need strength in their shoulders, legs and core.
Leg Exercises
Leg strength is important for bases so they have a stable base to support the weight of other cheerleaders during pyramids and stunts. Exercises such as the wall sit are beneficial for bases, who often hold static positions, such as when they are holding flyers up during stunts. To perform a wall sit, simply place your back against a wall, walk your feet out about 18 inches from the wall and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor, then hold the position. Adding weights during leg exercises such as squats and lunges is another effective form of training, because bases must hold their own weight and that of other members of their squad.
Core Exercises
V sit-ups are a challenging exercise that cheerleaders use to improve core strength. Unlike a standard sit-up, the V sit-up requires movement in the upper and lower body. The V sit-up is basically a combination of a partial sit-up and leg raise. To perform the V sit-up, lie on your back with your arms straight on the floor over your head and your legs straight as well. Then, raise your arms, head, shoulders and legs toward the ceiling and toward each other as if to touch your toes. You can increase the difficulty by holding the end position for two seconds before lying back on the floor.
Bases need immense strength to support the flyers but need to be flexible too. Bases especially need strength in their shoulders, legs and core.
Leg Exercises
Leg strength is important for bases so they have a stable base to support the weight of other cheerleaders during pyramids and stunts. Exercises such as the wall sit are beneficial for bases, who often hold static positions, such as when they are holding flyers up during stunts. To perform a wall sit, simply place your back against a wall, walk your feet out about 18 inches from the wall and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor, then hold the position. Adding weights during leg exercises such as squats and lunges is another effective form of training, because bases must hold their own weight and that of other members of their squad.
Core Exercises
V sit-ups are a challenging exercise that cheerleaders use to improve core strength. Unlike a standard sit-up, the V sit-up requires movement in the upper and lower body. The V sit-up is basically a combination of a partial sit-up and leg raise. To perform the V sit-up, lie on your back with your arms straight on the floor over your head and your legs straight as well. Then, raise your arms, head, shoulders and legs toward the ceiling and toward each other as if to touch your toes. You can increase the difficulty by holding the end position for two seconds before lying back on the floor.