The ABC's of Stunting

Rah Rah Routines hosted its first stunt camp of the 2016-2017 cheer season on June 4, and what a great SUCCESS it was! It was a six-and-a half-hour day with a new client who booked two-hour clinics for each of their four squads (combining the two youngest levels), varying in age and cheer experience.

It is imperative that we incorporate educational elements when teaching structure and behavior during our stunt camps to ensure all athletes fully understand the concepts of performing basic to advanced stunts. OUR THEORY: if the mind doesn’t get it, the body can’t perform it.

So, at the start of every stunt camp we host a competitive, multiple-choice-type of game that explains the stunt camp principles, or what we like to call The ABC’s of stunting. With these simple ground rules, coaches can reenforce the importance of safety and technique when teaching stunting skills to their squad.

While we can’t divulge all of our stunt camp secrets, let’s check out the ABC’s of stunting and how this could help athletes improve:

A = Awareness

Cheerleaders who have a safety-first mindset have a lower injury rate compared to peers and show tremendous growth in skills. Athletes who are aware of their physical and emotional surroundings, learn from teachable moments, and fully understand safety is a top priority will excel in their stunting journey.

B = Body Control

Cheerleaders who learn how to correctly use their muscles and bodies can improve overall health and the technique of the stunting skills performed. A demonstration of good body control is when a flyer can keep his or her hips squared and under when in the air or when an athlete performs and finishes a backhandspring with a hollow body.

C = Communication

We strongly believe that most of the stunting mistakes that happen are because of a lack of communication, such as miscounting or listening distractions. Successful communication leads to superior teamwork and improved listening skills.