Welcome to the CheerleadersLife Glossary — your ultimate reference for cheerleading terms, stunts, and terminology. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cheerleader, this comprehensive guide covers every term you need to know.
A
Arabesque
A stunt position where the flyer extends one leg straight behind them while standing on the other leg, arms extended for balance. Resembles a ballet arabesque position.
Arabesque Stretch
A flexibility exercise that improves the arabesque position by stretching the hip flexors and hamstrings.
Attack the Crowd
A cheer motion where arms are punched forward and upward, typically used to energize the audience during routines.
B
Back Handspring
A tumbling skill where the athlete jumps backward, rotates through a hand support position, and lands on their feet. One of the most common and important tumbling skills in cheerleading.
Back Tuck
A backward somersault in the air where the knees are tucked to the chest. Also called a back flip or tuck.
Base
The person (or people) in a stunt group who supports the flyer’s weight and holds them in the air. Bases need strength, stability, and good communication.
Basket Toss
A stunt where bases interlock their wrists to create a “basket” and toss the flyer high into the air. The flyer can perform various skills like toe touches, pikes, or full twists before being caught.
Block
A brief, sharp motion used to stop or redirect movement. Also refers to the locking of joints in stunts for stability.
Bow
A decorative ribbon accessory worn in cheerleaders’ hair. Bows are part of the uniform and come in team colors.
C
Choreography
The arrangement of movements, motions, and formations in a cheer routine. Good choreography flows naturally and tells a story.
Chorus Line
A formation where cheerleaders stand side by side in a straight line, performing synchronized motions.
Clean
A starting position where cheerleaders stand tall with arms at their sides. Also called “clean and tight.”
Conditioning
Physical training exercises designed to build strength, endurance, flexibility, and stamina for cheerleading performance.
Cradle
A dismount from a stunt where the flyer is caught by bases in a cradled position, with arms under the flyer’s legs and back.
D
Deadman
A stunt dismount where the flyer falls backward (like a trust fall) and is caught by bases and spotters.
Dismount
The process of coming down from a stunt. Common dismounts include cradles, pop downs, and sweep downs.
Daggers
A cheer motion where arms are bent at the elbows with fists pointing downward, held at chest level.
E
Extension
A stunt where the flyer is held overhead by the bases with arms fully extended. The flyer stands on the bases’ hands at full height.
Eight-Count
A counting system used in cheerleading to time movements. Routines are broken into eight-beat segments for synchronization.
F
Flyer
The person in a stunt who is lifted or tossed into the air. Also called a “top” or “mounter.” Flyers need balance, flexibility, body control, and trust in their bases.
Formation
The arrangement of cheerleaders on the floor or mat during a routine. Common formations include lines, V’s, circles, and staggered positions.
Full
A full twist in the air, typically referring to a 360-degree rotation. Used in tumbling (full twist) and basket tosses.
H
Half (Half-up)
A stunt where the flyer stands at shoulder height on the bases’ hands. Also called a “prep” or “shoulder stand.”
High V
A cheer motion where both arms are extended upward in a V shape. One of the most iconic and fundamental cheer motions.
J
Jumps
Aerial skills where cheerleaders leave the ground in specific positions. Common cheer jumps include toe touches, pikes, hurdlers, and herkies.
K
K Motion
A cheer motion where one arm is in a high V and the other is on the hip, forming a K shape.
L
Liberty (Lib)
A stunt position where the flyer stands on one leg (typically the right) with the other foot resting on the standing knee, arms in a high V. One of the most fundamental stunt positions.
M
Motion
A specific arm and body position used in cheerleading. Motions should be sharp, tight, and synchronized. Common motions include high V, low V, T, broken T, daggers, and touchdown.
P
Pike
A jump where the body folds at the hips with legs straight and together, reaching forward. Also a stretching position for flexibility.
Prep
Shoulder-height stunt position. Also refers to the preparation phase before executing a skill.
S
Scorpion
A stunt position where the flyer bends one leg behind them, grabbing the foot and pulling it toward the head, creating a scorpion-like curve.
Spotter
A safety person who assists in stunts by supporting the flyer, watching for falls, and helping with catches. Spotters are essential for safety in all stunts.
Stunt
Any skill where a flyer is lifted, held, or tossed into the air by bases and spotters. Stunts range from basic preps to advanced inversions.
T
Toe Touch
The most common cheer jump. The athlete jumps and spreads legs in a straddle position while reaching toward the toes. Good toe touches require height, flexibility, and clean landings.
Tumbling
Gymnastic skills performed on the floor, including cartwheels, round-offs, back handsprings, back tucks, layouts, and fulls. Tumbling is a core component of cheerleading routines.
Tuck
A body position where knees are pulled tightly to the chest. Used in jumps, dismounts, and tumbling skills like back tucks.
V
V Motion
A cheer motion where arms form a V shape. High V has arms pointing up; Low V has arms pointing down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flyer and a base?
A flyer is the person lifted into the air during stunts, while a base is the person who supports and lifts the flyer. Flyers typically need balance and flexibility, while bases need strength and stability.
What is a basket toss in cheerleading?
A basket toss is a stunt where bases interlock their wrists to create a platform and toss the flyer into the air. The flyer can perform jumps, twists, or poses before being caught.
What does “clean” mean in cheerleading?
“Clean” refers to a starting position where a cheerleader stands tall with arms at their sides. It also describes well-executed, sharp motions.
What is a liberty in cheerleading?
A liberty (or “lib”) is a stunt position where the flyer stands on one leg in a bases’ hands, with the other foot resting on the standing knee. It is one of the most fundamental and recognizable stunt positions.
What is tumbling in cheerleading?
Tumbling refers to gymnastic skills performed on the floor, including cartwheels, back handsprings, back tucks, and full twists. It is a core element of competitive cheerleading routines.
Last reviewed: July 2026 | Sources: USASF, AACCA, NFHS Spirit Rules