Expert: Kimmi - 7/15/2008

Question
Hello there,
My 9yr old daughter is now with a cheer group that has deemed her as a flyer!  This is great news because she always wanted to be a flyer (She is so tiny and light for her age) It is however surprising to me as to how quickly they are progressing with the stunts they are having her do.  I was told that for her level, they can not advance in height to anything past a prep.  I think that is at what Chin level?  They have her doing a straddle lift or sit, and last night she just did a cradle.  Practices are closed. I looked online for some videos and it all looks so intense.  She loves it! I guess my question is what stunts are able to be done within the prep position height.  Are the stunts my daughter doing basic or are they pretty good stunts for her level?  I am just trying to get a feel for it all.  

DO you have a pictures of these stunts so that I may get a better idea of what this all looks like?  

I am so excited for her and what is to come. I guess I am just being a nosy mom :)

 Thanks in advance!


Answer
Hi Dena,

   Well, I'm not sure what level your daughter's team is at, but if they are limited to prep level stunts, there is still a ton of stuff that can be done. And yes - prep is chin level. Straddle lifts are common at pretty much any level, but definitely the lower ones. Cradling is a way of dismounting and is a major part of almost every level. So, it sounds to be like what she's doing is pretty much where she should be at, as those are all allowed within the limits of prep height stunts.
   As to what stunts are allowed at that height, the limits end with the imagination. New stunts are created every day. Basically, you're looking at preps, hitches (one leg at prep, the other at extension), and ground up libs or harder tricks (heel stretch, front stretch, arabesque, scale, scorpion, flame, torch, x-scale etc.)
  As to whether the stunts are basic of good for the level - preps, straddle lifts, cradles, and hitches are all pretty basic. The stunts get harder when the tricks start getting added. If you daughter doesn't have these tricks yet, I suggest you talk to her coach about beginning to work on them.
  I can't provide you with pics for all of these stunts but if you google them, usually with "cheer" in the search words, you can come up with pictures a-plenty. Also try youtube.com for 1000s of videos on all of these stunts.
  It's awesome that you're so involved and excited. And, I don't think you're being a "nosy mom". Thank you for being a parent who actually cares enough about their child to find out what's going on. I see enough of those other parents to make me rejoice in parents like you. Pretty much - if you aren't sure about what's taking place, don't be afraid to speak up or step in. After all, you're the customer here, and it's your child's safety on the line. Good luck to you and your daughter!

Happy Cheering,
Kimmi