This cheerleading glossary explains the terms you will hear most at practice, games and competitions, from stunt roles like flyer and back spot to skills like the liberty, toe touch and round off, plus scoring and competition vocabulary. Learning the language of cheer helps new athletes follow coaching faster, communicate safely in stunt groups and understand what judges are looking for. Terms can vary slightly between programs, so always check how your coach uses them.
Quick reference: most common terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Flyer | The athlete lifted or tossed into the air |
| Base | An athlete who supports the flyer from underneath |
| Back spot | Supports and protects the flyer from behind |
| Prep (elevator) | Flyer held at shoulder level |
| Extension | Flyer held with the bases’ arms fully extended overhead |
| Toe touch | Straddle jump with legs out to the sides |
| Round off | Cartwheel variation landing on two feet |
| Motions | Set arm positions such as high V and T |
| Full out | Performing the routine at full effort |
| Deduction | Points taken off the score for errors or violations |
Stunting terms
Flyer: the athlete who is lifted, held or tossed in a stunt. Flyers need balance, body tightness and control.
Base: an athlete who supports the flyer. In a traditional stunt there is a main base and a side base, each usually holding one foot.
Back spot: the athlete behind the stunt who protects the flyer’s head, neck and shoulders, often holds the ankles or waist and calls the counts.
Front spot: an optional athlete in front who adds stability, often supporting the bases’ wrists.
Load: the starting position where the flyer steps into the bases’ hands before the stunt goes up.
Prep or elevator: a stunt with the flyer standing in the bases’ hands at about shoulder level.
Extension: a stunt with the flyer held overhead on the bases’ locked arms.
Liberty: a one leg stunt where the flyer stands on one foot with the other knee bent and foot resting near the standing knee.
Heel stretch: a one leg position where the flyer holds the other leg straight up in front, gripping the heel.
Bow and arrow: a flexibility position with one leg pulled up beside the head and one arm extended like an arrow.
Scorpion: a position where the flyer pulls one foot up behind the head from the back.
Cradle: a dismount where bases and spot catch the flyer under the back and legs.
Pyramid: two or more stunts connected by the flyers’ hands, arms or legs.
Basket toss: a stunt where bases interlock their hands to form a basket and throw the flyer into the air.
Partner stunt: a stunt with a single base, common on coed teams.
Jump terms
Toe touch: a straddle jump with legs extended to the sides and arms in a T.
Herkie: a jump with one leg straight out to the side and the other bent underneath.
Pike: a jump with both legs straight together in front of the body.
Hurdler: a jump with one leg straight in front and the other bent to the side or back.
Tuck: a jump with the knees pulled up to the chest.
Spread eagle: a jump with arms and legs forming an X shape.
Arm whip: the circular arm swing used to generate lift before a jump.
Tumbling terms
Cartwheel: a sideways rotation through a straddle handstand, landing one foot at a time.
Round off: a cartwheel variation that lands on both feet facing the start, often used to begin running tumbling.
Back handspring: a backward jump to the hands followed by a snap down to the feet.
Back tuck: a backward flip in a tucked position without hands.
Layout: a backward flip with the body straight.
Standing tumbling: tumbling performed from a still position.
Running tumbling: tumbling performed after a run, usually starting with a round off.
Motion and performance terms
Motions: set arm positions used in cheers and dances, such as high V, low V, T, broken T, touchdown and punch.
Facials: facial expressions used to project energy and connect with the crowd or judges.
Sharp: describing motions that are hit quickly and stopped cleanly.
Eight count: the counting system used to time cheers, dances and stunts.
Competition and scoring terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Level | The skill category that determines which stunts and tumbling are allowed |
| Division | The group a team competes in, often based on age, size or type |
| Full out | A complete routine performed at full effort |
| Deduction | Points removed for falls, safety violations or illegal skills |
| Hit zero | A routine performed with no deductions |
| Score sheet | The document judges use to score each routine category |
| All star | Private gym teams that focus on competition |
| Sideline | Cheering at games to support other teams |
Team and program terms
Varsity and junior varsity: school squad levels, with varsity usually the most experienced team.
Coed: a team that includes both male and female athletes, often featuring partner stunts.
Captain: a team leader who helps run warm-ups, communicates with coaches and supports teammates.
Spirit program: a school’s cheer, dance and mascot groups considered together.
Clinic: a short training session, often held before tryouts to teach the material athletes will perform.
Choreography: the planned sequence of motions, stunts, tumbling and dance in a routine.
Safety and communication calls
Stunt groups rely on short, clear calls to stay safe. Common examples include counts such as one, two, down, up, where each number matches an action, and a clear call like down to bring a flyer back to the ground at any time. Some groups use specific words for adjusting the stunt or signaling a problem. Whatever words your team uses, everyone in the group must know them, and they should be practiced on the ground before stunting. Clear communication is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent falls.
Rulebook note: many of the terms above, especially levels, skill names and safety definitions, are defined in official rulebooks. School programs in many states follow the NFHS Spirit Rules, while all star programs follow USASF rules. Definitions and allowed skills can change from season to season, so check the current rulebook for exact meanings.
How to learn cheer terms quickly
- Start with your role. Learn the terms for your position first, such as flyer or base calls.
- Link words to movements. Say the term out loud as you perform the motion, jump or skill.
- Use flashcards. Write the term on one side and the meaning or a quick sketch on the other.
- Watch routines. Identify skills in videos and name them as they happen.
- Ask questions. If a coach uses an unfamiliar word, ask right away rather than guessing.
- Practice calls with your group. Rehearse counts and safety words until they feel automatic.
Common mistakes with cheer terminology
- Assuming every gym uses exactly the same names for skills.
- Confusing similar jumps, such as the hurdler and herkie.
- Mixing up prep and extension heights in stunt calls.
- Not learning the team’s safety calls before stunting.
- Guessing what a coach means instead of asking.
- Using slang that judges or new teammates might not understand.
Frequently asked questions
What does full out mean in cheer?
Full out means performing a routine or section with full energy and every skill, just as you would in competition.
What is the difference between a prep and an extension?
In a prep, the flyer is held at about shoulder level. In an extension, the bases lock their arms overhead so the flyer is much higher.
What does hit zero mean?
It means a team performed its routine with no deductions, such as no falls, bobbles counted as deductions or safety violations.
