Small and medium varsity squads can still put up impressive stunts. The key is to build two or three strong stunt groups instead of spreading athletes thin, choose skills that fit your numbers and ability, and focus on clean, synchronized execution. Every stunt must be legal for your level under your governing rulebook, spotted properly and taught through a safe progression. A squad of 8 to 16 that hits clean preps, extensions and a simple pyramid will usually look better than a larger squad struggling with skills it has not mastered.
What counts as a small or medium squad
There is no single official definition, but in school cheer a small varsity squad often has roughly 8 to 12 athletes, while a medium squad might have about 12 to 20. Competition divisions set their own size categories, so check the rules for any event you enter. What matters most is how many complete, safe stunt groups you can form. A traditional stunt group needs at least three athletes plus a flyer, so a squad of 12 might have three groups, while a squad of 8 might have only two with limited spare athletes.
Stunt group roles
| Role | Main job | Key skills |
|---|---|---|
| Flyer | The athlete in the air | Tight body, balance, flexibility and trust in the group |
| Main base | Supports most of the flyer’s weight | Leg drive, core strength and consistent timing |
| Secondary base | Supports and stabilizes the stunt | Grip, balance and matching the main base |
| Back spot | Protects the flyer’s head, neck and shoulders and assists the lift | Awareness, quick reactions and strong catches |
| Front spot (optional) | Adds stability and extra safety | Supporting the bases’ wrists and watching the flyer |
With a small squad, cross training helps. Athletes who can base and spot, or fly and base, give coaches more flexibility when someone is injured or absent.
Stunt progressions for small squads
Stunts should always be built in order, and athletes should master each level before moving on. A common progression looks like this:
- Thigh stands and shoulder sits. These teach timing, grips and communication at low heights.
- Preps (elevators). The flyer stands at shoulder level on the bases’ hands. This is the foundation of most stunts.
- Prep variations. Liberties and heel stretches at prep level build the flyer’s balance and body position.
- Extensions. The bases lock their arms overhead with the flyer on two feet. Only attempt these when the level rules and skill allow.
- Extended one leg stunts. Liberties and heel stretches at extended height, for experienced groups only.
- Small pyramids. Connect two or three groups through braces and hand holds, following pyramid rules for your level.
Many successful small squads spend most of a season perfecting preps and prep variations. Clean, sharp prep level stunts with strong motions often score and look better than wobbly extensions.
Planning stunts with limited numbers
Build fewer, stronger groups rather than many weak ones. Assign your most reliable athletes to consistent groups and keep those groups together so they build timing and trust. Use extra athletes as dedicated spotters, not as partial bases.
Stagger your stunts in routines. With only two or three groups, you can create visual interest by having groups hit at different counts, in a ripple effect, rather than all at once. Mix stunts with jumps, motions and tumbling from athletes who are not stunting, so the whole squad stays involved.
Choose skills everyone can hit consistently. In both sideline and competition settings, a stunt that falls costs far more than it gains. Judges and crowds reward confidence and control.
Conditioning for stunt groups
Strong stunts start with strong athletes. Bases need leg power to drive the flyer up, core strength to stay stable and shoulder endurance to hold stunts through a routine. Squats, lunges, planks, overhead presses and push-ups are common staples. Flyers need a strong core, balance and flexibility, so balance drills, stretching and body tightness holds on the ground are valuable. Back spots benefit from grip strength and quick reactions. Short, regular conditioning sessions through the season usually work better than occasional hard workouts, and they help reduce injury risk.
Sideline vs competition stunting
Sideline stunts are performed during games, often on hard surfaces or grass, and usually need to be simpler, quicker and easier to set up. Many squads limit sideline stunts to preps and basic variations for safety, following school and association policies. Competition stunts are performed on mats as part of a scored routine, where difficulty, execution and synchronization all matter. With a small squad, it is common to keep a separate, simpler set of sideline stunts and a more polished set for competition.
How to teach a new stunt step by step
- Check the rules. Confirm the stunt is legal for your level and setting.
- Warm up and condition. Stunting requires strong legs, core and shoulders, so warm up thoroughly.
- Teach the parts on the ground. Walk through grips, counts and footwork before anyone leaves the floor.
- Use extra spotters. When learning, add additional spotters or a coach spot until the group is consistent.
- Build up in height. Practice at lower levels before extending, and move up only when the stunt is solid.
- Practice dismounts. Teach safe cradles and step downs as carefully as the stunt itself.
- Repeat until consistent. Only add the stunt to a routine when the group hits it reliably.
Stunt ideas that suit small and medium squads
| Stunt | Difficulty | Why it works for smaller squads |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder sit | Beginner | Needs few athletes and is quick to learn |
| Thigh stand | Beginner | Great for motions and quick transitions |
| Prep | Beginner to intermediate | Foundation for most routines and easy to sync |
| Prep level liberty | Intermediate | Adds visual difficulty without extended height |
| Extension | Intermediate to advanced | High impact when hit cleanly by a strong group |
| Two group pyramid | Intermediate | Connects the squad visually with limited numbers |
Safety and spotting
Safety is the priority in every stunt. Always practice on appropriate mats, under the supervision of a trained coach. Spotters must stay focused on the flyer’s head, neck and shoulders and never leave a stunt until the flyer is safely on the ground. Athletes should not stunt when exhausted, injured or distracted, and all stunts should be taught through proper progressions.
Rulebook note: stunt and pyramid rules differ by governing body and level. US school cheer often follows the NFHS Spirit Rules, while all star and some other programs follow USA Cheer or USASF rules. Rules on heights, inversions, release moves and spotter requirements are updated regularly, so check the current rulebook that applies to your squad.
Health note
Health note: stunting carries a real risk of falls, sprains, fractures and head injuries. Condition athletes for strength and flexibility, warm up before every practice, and have a clear plan for injuries and concussions. Any athlete who hits their head or shows concussion symptoms should stop immediately and be evaluated by a medical professional before returning to stunting.
Common stunting mistakes
- Attempting skills beyond your level or the group’s consistency.
- Rotating athletes between groups so often that no group builds timing.
- Skipping spotters to make up for small numbers.
- Neglecting dismounts and cradles in practice.
- Stunting without proper mats or supervision.
- Ignoring conditioning, which leads to shaky bases and injuries.
Frequently asked questions
How many people do you need for a cheer stunt?
A traditional stunt group has a flyer, two bases and a back spot, with an optional front spot. Some smaller stunts, such as shoulder sits, can be done with fewer athletes under the right rules.
Can a small squad compete successfully?
Yes. Many competitions have divisions based on squad size, and clean, well executed stunts at an appropriate level often score better than difficult skills performed inconsistently.
What stunt should beginners learn first?
Most coaches start with thigh stands and shoulder sits, then progress to preps. These build the timing, grips and trust needed for more advanced stunts.
