To Fly or Not to Fly?

A flyer. *sigh* Basically the dream job of every cheerleader who ever walked the mat. The flyer is the cheerleader on top doing the various skills. But lots of cheerleaders wonder how they become one or if their body type is capable of being a flyer. So what makes a flyer?

1. Height

Yes, it's true flyers are generally small and anywhere from 4'8'' to 5'4'." It really depends on how tall your bases and back spot are. You can't be a flyer who is 5'9'' and towering over your 5'2'' bases. So even if you're on the taller side don't let this statement discourage you from being a flyer! There are plenty of tall flyers such as Maddie Gardner who was a 5'7'' flyer and you can also check out these hilarious tweets at TallFlyerProblems on Twitter.

Picture Provided By Google

2. Weight

Now this is a tricky one. No one should ever tell you how you should look or how much you should weigh, not even if you're striving to be a flyer. Flyers are generally light weight because you have to be lifted. To be honest it's hard to get a stunt up with a heavy flyer. This is not fact and never ever meant to hurt anyone's feelings but flyer's weight is generally from 85 to 110 pounds.

3. Body Control

This is basically what makes or breaks a flyer. If you have good body control you're set. You have to be able lock out and stay tight during any stunt. Also with some dismounts you need skilled body control when twisting or flipping.

4. Flexibility

Being flexible isn't a must but it also helps especially when your squad likes to pull advanced skills such as a scorpion. Here's a few positions that involve flexibility.

 

Good Luck & Fly High!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader