Somersault Load-In
C ompetition season is now in full swing across the country. The routines are full of
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STUNTING SEQUENCE
Somersault Load-In
by Pam Headridge
Somersault Load-In
Exciting 5 Person Stunt
Competition season is now in full swing across the country. The routines are full of
inventive stunts and pyramids that are hoping to score high numbers. Judges not only grade the stunts themselves but also the loadins and dismounts. Here is an innovative way to mount a prep/elevator or extended
stunt like a liberty. This sequence needs 5 people: a Flyer, Back Spotter, two Bases
and a Front Spotter. Demonstrating the stunt is Cassie Gianino, Shani King, Lauren
Aguirre, Meghan Rikard, and Jessie Gulizia from Oak Harbor High School.
STEP 1
Front Spotter faces forward. She grabs the Flyer’s right foot between her legs.
Her right hand is under the toe with the left hand placed under the heel of the Flyer’s
right foot. (Figure 1a)
Flyerfaces forward with her arms in a “T” position and her right foot in the Front
Spotter’s hands. She must keep her arms locked straight.
Primaryand Secondary Bases, grab the Flyer’s hands and under the armpits.
Notice that the Bases’ inside hands have their fingers facing forward. This allows
more lifting power.
Back Spotter gripes the Flyer’s waist.
STEP 2
Front Spotter continuing to hold onto the Flyer’s foot, will forward roll as the
Bases lift the Flyer in the air.
Flyer on a designated count dips together with the Bases and jumps straight up
keeping her right foot in the Front Spotter’s hands.
Primary and Secondary Bases assist the Flyer by lifting under her arms and walks
forward as the Front Spotter rolls. (Figure 2a)
Back Spotter lifts up on the Flyer’s waist and walks forward. During this sequence,
do not lift the Flyer past the Front Spotter. She must always stay behind her. >
STEP 3
Front Spotter finishes her forward roll in a kneeling position and to the side of
the Flyer.
Flyer taps her left foot to the floor. She keeps her arms stiff in a “T” position.
Primary and Secondary Bases plus the Back Spotter dip as they place the Flyer
on the floor.
STEP 4
Front Spotter together with the Secondary Base and Back Spotter lifts the Flyer
into the stunt.
Flyer jumps into a “squish” position and supports her body weight with her arms
on the Bases’ shoulders.
Primary and Secondary Bases “J” the Flyer’s arms down and then lift her into a
“squish” position by release the arms and grabbing the Flyer’s feet. (Figure 4a) Notice
that the original Primary Base leaves the stunt after she lets go of the Flyer’s arm.
Back Spotter assists in the transition by lifting at the waist.
STEP 5
Front Spotter, who is now the Primary Base, along with the Secondary Base extends
the Flyer into a prep/elevator. This stunt can also be taken into a liberty.
Flyer, on a designated count, pulls her body straight upward to a standing position.
She must not bend her arms during this transition.
Back Spotter tosses upward from the Flyer’s waist and grabs her ankles.
This visual load-in adds a creative element to your routine and will help your team
score bonus points in the judges’ eyes. It is also a fun mount to perform at games and assemblies.
Remember safety is a coach’s primary focus. The team should always practice on a
matted surface and perfect the skill before performing in front of an audience.
Happy and safe stunting!
Pam Headridge is currently in her 15th year as the head
coach of the nationally ranked Oak Harbor High School Wildcat
cheerleaders. She has been honored as National Cheerleading
Coach of the Year, National Federation Interscholastic Spirit Association Section
8 Coach of the Year and Washington State Cheerleading
Coach of the Year. Pam is a widely respected presenter who travels
the country speaking on numerous topics concerning cheerleading and coaching. She has eight cheerleading training videos on the market and is co-author of a recently published cheerleading book, “Develop a Successful Cheerleading Program.”