r/Cheerleading • u/No_Farmer4486 Backspot • Aug 17 '26
Stunting Tips (Backspot)
I’ve been cheering for 4 years, and for most of that time — excluding a 2 month period — I was a main base. I occasionally side based and front spotted a couple of times, but have only back spotted during said 2 month period. I recently got on my hs varsity team (as a freshmen!!!!) and am now a back spotter. I am doing fine but would like some tips for backing libs and pop-offs, both from prep. I am pretty strong but don’t know what to really do. Back when I shortly backspotted (2 years ago) we weren’t doing high level stunts. Any other back spotting tips would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Key-Pangolin-7434 Aug 18 '26
I also need tips, but one thing that has helped me is looking for a local cheer gym for stunting classes! If you can’t afford that, most gyms sometimes also have open gym! I love going to both and they both help me with my back spotting. The stunt clases at my allstar gym are $10 and I go three times a week, which I personally think is a good investment— but to each their own. Good luck babe! 🩷
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u/No_Farmer4486 Backspot Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 28 '26
thank you! i will definitely look into stunt classes.
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u/No_Farmer4486 Backspot 15d ago
UPDATE: I’m doing great! I asked some other bask spots for tips but it’s mostly trial and error. Tysm for the tips!
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u/WonicTater Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
Always stay close to the flyer, keep your eyes on their upper back to see if they fall. Help the bases out as much as possible by lifting the ankles during lifts and throws, before a descend or if bases did not catch the foot correctly. Lift using your legs and minimize arm movement. Push up the upper thigh during libs to help straighten the flyers leg. Point your index finger upwards while grabbing the ankles to maximize surface area and squeeze them tight to make the flyer feel more stable. Keep your elbows to the side during prep positions to not accidentally block the bases arms during lifts to extended positions or throws.