Cheerleading Levels - Stunting and Tumbling

A general overview of the different Cheerleading levels, including age categories, Divisions, Stunts, Tumbles and Team England Selection.

Age Divisions

• Tiny: Younger Athletes (eg 4-6 years old)
• Mini: Slightly older (eg 5-8 years old)
• Youth: (eg 5-11 years old)
• Junior: (eg 5-14 years old)
• Senior: (eg 11-18 years old)

It is important to understand that these ages can vary slightly depending on the organisation.

Purpose:

• Age divisions group athletes with similar physical development, promoting fair competition.
• There is often overlap in age ranges to allow gyms to create competitive teams.​

Divisions

Novice, Prep and Elite

Novice:

• This division is designed for beginners.
• It emphasises learning fundamental skills and introducing athletes to competitive cheer.
• Routines are typically shorter and have more restrictions on skill difficulty.

Prep:

• This is an intermediate division.
• It bridges the gap between Novice and Elite.
• Prep teams have more complex routines and fewer restrictions than Novice teams.
• It is for those who want a more competitive experience, but not the full-time and financial commitment to an elite team.

Elite:

• This is the highest level of competitive cheerleading.
• Elite teams perform highly complex routines with advanced skills.
• These teams often compete at national and international competitions.

Types of Cheerleading Tumbles

Basic Tumbling Skills:

• Cartwheel: A fundamental skill that enhances coordination and balance.
• Forward Roll: A basic move that is essential for learning more advanced skills.
• Backward Roll: Similar to the forward roll, but in the opposite direction.
• Handstand: A skill that develops upper body strength and balance.
• Roundoff: A transitional skill that is often used to lead into back handsprings and other advanced moves.

Intermediate Tumbling Skills:

• Back Handspring: A crucial skill for progressing to higher-level tumbling.
• Front Handspring: Similar to the back handspring, but in the forward direction.
• Front and Back Walkovers: These moves increase flexibility.
• Roundoff Back Handspring Series: This is where cheerleaders combine the roundoff with multiple back handsprings in a row.

Advanced Tumbling Skills:

• Back Tuck (Back Flip): A complex skill that requires significant strength and coordination.
• Layout: A back tuck with a 360-degree rotation.
• Full Twist: A back tuck with 720 degrees of rotation.
• Double Full Twist: A back tuck with 720 degrees of rotation.
• Ariel: A cartwheel without using your hands.
• Whips: A very advanced move that is hard to master.

Types of Cheerleading Stunts

Key Roles in Stunts

Flyer:

• The cheerleader who is lifted into the air.
• Requires balance, flexibility and core strength.

Bases:

• The cheerleaders who support and lift the flyer.
• Requires flexibility and stability..​

Back Spot:

• Provides support and stability to the flyer and bases.
• Crucial for safety.

Basic Stunts

Thigh Stand:

• The flyer stands on the bases' thighs.
• A fundamental stunt for beginners.

Prep (or half):

• The flyer is lifted to shoulder level.
• A stepping stone to higher stunts.

Extension:

• The flyer is lifted above the bases' heads with fully extended arms.

Advanced Stunts

Liberty (LIb):

• The flyer stands on one leg by the base.

Heel Stretch:

• The flyer holds their legs extended straight up.

Scorpion:

• The flyer bends one leg behind their back, grabbing their foot.

Basket Tosses:

• The flyer is tossed into the air by the bases.
• Involves various positions and rotations.

Pyramids:

• These are multiple stunts connected that form a large connected shape.
• These can range from simple to very complex.

Skill Levels

General overview of how stunts and tumbles typically progress through the cheerleading levels:

General Progression

Level 1 (Beginner)

Tumbling:

• Basic rolls (forward, backward).
• Cartwheels.
• Handstands.
• Roundoffs.

Stunting:

• Thigh stands
• Basic preps.
• Simple elevators.

Level 2 (Intermediate)

Tumbling:

• Basic handsprings (standing and roundoff).
• Front handsprings.
• Walkovers (front and back).

Stunting:

• Extensions.
• More complex props.
• Basic basket tosses.​
•  

Level 3 (Advanced Intermediate)

Tumbling:

• Back tucks (standing and roundoff).
• Aerials.
• More complex handspring series.

Stunting:

• Liberties.
• Heel stretches.
• More advanced basket tosses (eg: pike, toe touch).

Level 4-7 (Advanced/Elite)

Tumbling:

• Layouts.
• Full twists.
• Double full twists.
• Whips.

Stunting:

• Complex pyramids.
• Adanced twisting stunts.
• Highly intricate basket tosses (eg: kick full, double full).​

Key Points:

As levels increase, the emphasise shifts to:

• Increased height and difficulty in stunts.
• More complex tumbling passes with multiple skills.
• Greater precision and execution.
• Safety is always the top priority. Skills are introduced progressively, ensuring athletes have the necessary strength and technique.

To get the most accurate and up to date information, we recommend:

• Check the rulebooks of the specific cheerleeding organisation you are interested in (ICU, USASF)
• Consulting with qualified cheerleading coaches at a reputable gym.

At What Level can you Compete for Team England?

General overview of how stunts and tumbles typically progress through the cheerleading levels:​

Team England selections are based on the skills required for the divisions in which they will be competing at international events such as the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

Cheerleading Organisations

•  International Cheer Union (ICU)

• ​SportCheer England

• USASF (United States All Star Federation)  

• IASF (International All-Star Federation) ​