How to Execute a Perfect Cheerleading Thigh Stand and Its Variations
The cheerleading thigh stand is one of those stunts that instantly elevates a routine, combining strength, balance, and teamwork in one eye-catching move. A thigh stand involves a flyer balancing on a base’s thigh while maintaining stability and proper form, making it a cornerstone for more advanced stunts.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to perform a perfect thigh stand, share tips to improve your balance and technique, and explore several variations that can add creativity and flair to your routines.
How to Perform a Cheerleading Thigh Stand
The cheerleading thigh stand is a classic stunt that builds teamwork, balance, and confidence. It involves coordination between the flyer, bases, and a spotter to ensure safety and precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the images provided:
1. Starting Position
The bases begin by lunging toward each other, with their feet touching toe-to-heel. The flyer places her right foot in the first base, while the base secures the flyer’s knee for stability.
2. Back Spotter Role
The back spotter plays a crucial role throughout the stunt by holding the flyer’s waist with four fingers in the front and the thumb in the back. This ensures the flyer remains secure while the stunt is being executed.
3. Lifting the Flyer
On the call “1-2 step, lock, tighten,” the flyer places her other foot in the second base’s pocket. Both bases hold the flyer’s knees firmly as she rises into a standing position.
The flyer extends her arms and legs into a high V, and the bases mirror the arm positions to maintain symmetry.
4. Dismounting
To safely dismount, both bases release the flyer’s knees and support her arms (ideally under the armpits) with four fingers forward.
They shake hands with the flyer using their outside hands while she jumps down and lands with her feet together.
5. Final Clean-Up
Once the flyer has landed safely, all team members return to a standing position to “clean” the formation, signaling that the stunt is complete and the team is ready for the next move.
Tips to Improve Your Thigh Stand
If you want to take your cheerleading skills to the next level, mastering the Thigh Stand is a must! This stunt may look tricky at first, but with the right technique and teamwork, you’ll feel confident and safe. Here are some simple tips to help you improve your Thigh Stand.
A. Deep Lunges for the Bases
Make sure your bases have deep lunges. This gives the flyer a strong and stable platform to stand on and makes the stunt much safer.
B. Step in the Pocket, Not on the Legs
The flyer should step into the “pockets” of the bases, not directly on their legs. This keeps the stunt balanced and helps everyone stay comfortable during the climb.
C. Step, Lock, Tighten Method
Start with the flyer’s right foot first, and use the “Step, Lock, Tighten” method while climbing. Step carefully, lock your foot in place, and tighten your core to stay steady.
D. Bases Hold the Flyer’s Knees
Bases should wrap their arms around the flyer’s knees to provide strong support. This helps the flyer feel secure and makes the stunt easier to hold.
E. Back Spotter Holds the Waist
The back spotter should always hold the flyer’s waist. This adds extra stability and helps prevent falls.
F. Add a Front Spotter for Double Thigh Stands
When you’re learning the double thigh stand, add a front spotter. You can never have too many spotters. Remember that safety is always first!
G. Safe Dismount
For the dismount, have the bases hold the flyer’s hands and armpits. The flyer should land in front of the stunt with feet together. This ensures a controlled and safe landing.
Thigh Stand Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic Thigh Stand, it’s time to level up and explore different variations. These variations not only make your stunt routine more exciting but also help improve balance, strength, and teamwork. Here are some popular Thigh Stand variations every cheerleader should know:
1. L Stand
The L Stand is a classic variation where the flyer extends one leg straight out in front, forming an “L” shape with their body.
This requires strong core stability and balance from the flyer while the bases maintain solid support under the flyer’s standing leg. It’s a great way to show precision and control in your routine.
2. Thigh Stand Hitch
In the Thigh Stand Hitch, the flyer starts on one thigh and then lifts one knee up toward their chest while staying supported by the bases.
This variation adds a dynamic element to the stunt and challenges the flyer’s balance and coordination. Spotters play a key role in ensuring a safe transition.
3. Thigh Stand L
The Thigh Stand L combines the basic Thigh Stand with the L Stand. The flyer steps into the stunt and then extends one leg forward to form the “L” shape while keeping their body tight and controlled. It’s a visually striking move that demonstrates flexibility and teamwork.
4. Thigh Stand Lean Over
In this variation, the flyer leans forward or to the side while standing on the bases’ thighs, creating a dramatic and dynamic visual effect.
The bases and spotters must work together to provide maximum support while the flyer maintains core strength and body tension. It’s perfect for adding flair to a routine.
5. Thigh Stand Liberty
The Thigh Stand Liberty is an advanced variation where the flyer stands on one leg while lifting the other leg in a bent or straight position, similar to a liberty in traditional stunts.
This requires excellent balance, strong legs, and confident bases. Spotters are essential to ensure safety as this variation increases the stunt’s difficulty.
Level Up Your Cheer Skills!
With a bit of practice and the right technique, the cheerleading thigh stand can become one of your favorite stunts to perform. Strengthen your legs, engage your core, and don’t be afraid to try new variations to keep your routines fresh and exciting.
Join the Cheerleading Program at Rockstar Academy and take your skills to the next level! Whether you dream of becoming a strong cheerleading base or mastering advanced stunts, our expert coaches at the Sports & Performing Arts Academy are here to guide you every step of the way.
Train in a supportive environment, learn proper techniques, and get ready to showcase your talents at the RockOlympics, Elite Championships and Cheerleading Recital. Don’t wait—experience the excitement and energy of our program yourself with a free trial class of the Cheerleading Program today!
FAQ
How to do a Thigh Stand in cheer?
Step onto the bases’ thighs, use the “Step, Lock, Tighten” method, and keep your core tight while spotters support you.
How to get cheerleader thighs?
Focus on squats, lunges, and plyometric leg exercises to build strong, toned thighs.
