Expert: James - 1/12/2010

Question
Hey James

I have been doing partner stunting now for about 2-3 months now but I only get practice like once a week, i do think there has been improvement and progression, I just wanted to ask how I can be a much more stronger flyer? e.g. what exercises do i need to do? and is leg strength the main factor for partner stunting? at the moment, I am finding cannonball to cupie hard to do as there is soo much to think about such as Keeping your feet together as you go from a ball to standing up, keeping legs locked, keeping tight in general, spotting and turning to face the front.

all the best,
Vivien

Answer
There's no doubt that as a flyer you have to multi-task in your head at a quick pace and definitely you will see improvement. When I first started cheering (i'm male and never cheered until college) i got to stunt for the most part once a week for a year and while I saw those already on the team getting to stunt 3 times a week for 2-3 hour practices and at the time was jealous I improved enough to make the team come tryouts. Leg strength isnt the end all to end all's (b/c you can have strong legs but not be able to hold yourself tight once you get to the stunt) but you do have to have the leg strength to not only get a good jump for stunts but to not break your knee or wobble. As lame as this might sound different people might need to work different things to improve based on their current strengths and weaknesses. The next time you stunt, go at it harder than you ever have for as long as you can (not sure how long your sessions are but completely tire yourself). Then the muscles that are super sore the following morning, hit lifts and exercises that target them.