Expert: Chris - 9/10/2011

Question
Hi,
I'm in high school and I'm a JV flyer. My group and I are really struggling with full downs, libs, and half up libs. We couldn't get a solid one all the way up, and everyone is blaming me saying that I'm doing nothing and expecting them to do all the work (aka not pushing off). The girls watching say so because the stunt doesn't shoot up, and the bases say they don't feel anything--but I'm pushing as hard as I can! Probably not as much as two-leg stunts, but only because the bases shoulders are in a weird position. It's super frustrating. We've done the half-ups and libs before, but today couldn't get a single one. On the half-up, the whole thing collapsed and I fell pretty hard, and so did one of my bases. I got up but she was really hurting and I feel so guilty! I feel like everyone thinks it's my fault, but even though I feel bad she got hurt, I don't think it should necessarily be all on me even though the flyer is a big part of the stunt--am I wrong? Any advice for any of this? Thanks.

Answer
First off, people watching a stunt almost always blame the flier because it's easier than trying to figure out what/if the bases are doing wrong. So just try not to let people watching influence you. I know it can be hard (trust me, I know from experience!!!), but do your best with letting their comments/critiques roll off your back.

When doing any stunt, make sure your elbows are "up," meaning they're almost in a push up type position. They shouldn't be relaxed. That will help you to push off. Also, when doing a one legged stunt make sure that when you start some of your weight is already in your arms. You should be supporting part of your weight in your arms on their shoulders. That way, the bases will have less weight to lift since you're supporting some of it already. It also makes it easier to push off more effectively. Did this make sense? It's hard to explain so if you didn't understand it let me know and I'll try to explain it differently.

When you do push off, make sure your arms get totally straight before you stop pushing off. It's easy to push off like half way without following through. So unless your arms are totally straight after you push off, it is POSSIBLE to push off more or harder. Remember,  your bases are probably just as frustrated as you so try and keep working together as a group. Hopefully with more practice you'll start to get a bit of a "rhythm" going. Also remember that EVERYONE has a bad day sometimes. So if you normally get a stunt, and one day it's just not working, don't worry too much. Some days are just "off days" and it's part of any sport.

My dad always used to tell me "Do your best and consider it a success." It's kind of cheesy, but it's true. Just do your best, be patient, and let me know if you need anything else. I know how frustrating cheerleading is, believe me!