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TIPS & HINTS |
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THIGH STAND
This description is
based on the assumption that the reader already knows what a double-based thigh
stand is. Many of the tips within reiterate the importance of the tips given
above.
Bases begin by stepping back into their lunge
with their straight leg. Toes on the straight leg should be pointing towards the
audience. The knee on the bent leg needs to be directly above the ankle. Bases
need to keep their chest up (don't bend at the waist), shoulders square to the
front, and balance centred. The flyer will place her hands on the inside
shoulders of the bases. The spotter will lightly hold the waist of the flyer as
she places one foot into the "pocket" of either base. The pocket is
the point where the leg meets the hip. Flyers need to be sure their foot is
placed into the base "pocket", or she will cause discomfort to the
bases. (It is also much easier to balance that way).
As the flyer places
her foot into one of the base's pockets (for this example, let's assume it is
the right foot), the base may hold the toe and heel for support. As the flyer
moves to step up and place the left foot into the pocket of the second base, she
will need to "lock" her right leg first. All weight starts on the
right foot, she steps up, locks her muscle (tightens it), and then shifts her
weight to even it between the left and right sides. As the weight evens out,
bases move their inside arms to wrap around the flyers' legs above the knee. All
of these steps are definitely distinct from one another, but to the observer,
they should appear to be one smooth motion. When the stunt is safely up, arms
are usually in a Hi- V, but you can select the motion that is best for your
situation.
For the dismount in this stunt and all others,
the key to safety is keeping the stunt under control. In this example, bases
reach their outside arms up to grab the hands of the flyer. Bases hold the hands
of the flyer with four fingers facing the audience (thumbs to the back). The
flyer steps off the stunt, one foot at a time (do not jump off). As she does,
bases assist her down further by taking the underneath side of her arms (between
the elbow and the shoulder) with four fingers forward. This means that by the
time the flyer has both feet back on the floor, bases should have two hands on
each of her arms to stabilise her dismount. The spotter holds the waist of the
flyer throughout the stunt sequence, as well. This is not typically a
requirement in the rules of competition, but it is certainly a smart one to
employ, especially when the fundamentals are still being mastered.
Your Turn...
By reading this
article, you have just taken the first step to making cheerleading a better
sport for you, your squad, and the athletes around you. Before your squad does
another stunt, be sure everyone reads this article, and understands the
importance of keeping fundamental skills at the front of the priority list.
Learn to stunt safely together. You owe nothing less than that to yourself and
to your fellow squad members. As my mom used to tell me, "Whatever you do,
do it RIGHT, or don't do it at all."
Until next time, be
proud of what you do, be happy with those you love, and be very good to
yourself!
Polish
up your Smile !
Make it part of your conditioning programme