Flyers
I have added tips, pictures, videos and lots of other information specifically for flyers. Check back often!
The position of flyer in Cheerleading goes by many names; flier, mounter, top, climber, or floater, but regardless of what you call it, it is the person (yes, men fly too) at the top of a stunt, the one that gets lifted or thrown in the air. It is probably the most sought-after position in Cheerleading in that it offers the thrill and exhilaration of gracefully flying through the air and becoming the center of attention.
But Cheerleading is a team sport and each position on a squad has its importance. No flyer can go up or come down safely without bases or spotters. And although weight and height might play a part in what role you fill on a team, it is your ability and skill that should ultimately determine your position.
A versatile Cheerleader should be able to fill any job they are needed in and will be an asset to her/his squad. Never limit yourself by thinking you can only do one thing. Under the right circumstances, anything is possible. By trying other positions you'll gain a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in each. This will make for a stronger squad.
Skills and Abilities Needed To Fly
But Cheerleading is a team sport and each position on a squad has its importance. No flyer can go up or come down safely without bases or spotters. And although weight and height might play a part in what role you fill on a team, it is your ability and skill that should ultimately determine your position.
A versatile Cheerleader should be able to fill any job they are needed in and will be an asset to her/his squad. Never limit yourself by thinking you can only do one thing. Under the right circumstances, anything is possible. By trying other positions you'll gain a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in each. This will make for a stronger squad.
Skills and Abilities Needed To Fly
- Confidence - Attitude is everything. Know you can do it, because if you don't think you can, you probably won't.
- Trust - You must trust your teammates and them you. If you trust them totally, you know that if were to fall, someone will be there to catch you. With that out of the way, you can concentrate on what needs to be done.
- Stay Tight - Keep your hips and thighs tight (pinch a penny). Don't push out with your legs, this could spread your bases apart.
- Use your arms - You should be able to hold your own weight. Lift yourself with your arms and help your bases.
- Balance - It's much harder to hold someone up when they are wiggling around. Stay as stiff as you can and let your bases help balance you.
- Timing - Everyone in a stunt should know what to do and when to do it. All stunting should be done to a count. The flyer should know when the proper level has been reached to stick, hit, or pull the stunt.
- No fear of heights. A respect for heights is okay, but you can't be afraid of them.
- Keep eye contact with the crowd. When the flyer is up she/he should motivate and involve the crowd.
- Smile. Have fun and let everyone know it.
Here are some helpful videos for flyers.
If you find some other good ones, please share them with me.
If you find some other good ones, please share them with me.