Cheer roles explained: base, flyer, backspot and tumbler

Roles, not fixed positions

In baseball a shortstop plays shortstop. In cheer, the word role fits better, because it describes the job an athlete does in a particular stunt. The same athlete might be a base in one stunt and a flyer in another, depending on the team and coach. Cheer roles are open to athletes of any gender. Roles are normally assigned by the coach based on skill, strength, flexibility, trust within the group and, most importantly, readiness.

This guide covers the roles you will hear most. Exact names and the number of athletes in a group vary by team and by level, so ask your coach what applies to your squad. For the bigger picture of the sport, see cheer rules for beginners.

Base

Bases are the athletes who lift, hold and support the stunt from the ground. They provide the foundation: a stable platform that the flyer stands on or is held by. Good bases are strong, but also well-timed, because stunts depend on every member lifting together. Bases learn how to catch and control the flyer on the way down, too.

Flyer

The flyer is the athlete lifted into the air. Flyers need balance, body control and the ability to stay tight and steady while moving. Flyers are often among the lighter athletes on a team, but size should never be the only reason someone is chosen. Flyers also need to trust their group and follow instructions about how to move in and out of a stunt. Flying is not for everyone, and it is fine for a child to prefer another role.

Backspot

The backspot stands behind the stunt and is a safety-critical role. Backspots often help lift and stabilize the stunt from behind, watch the flyer closely and typically focus on the flyer's head and upper body if something goes wrong, though exact duties vary by stunt and level. Backspots need focus, strong communication and quick reactions. Safety is shared by every member of the group, and by the coach who decides what the group is ready to attempt.

Front spot and other spotters

Some stunt groups have a front spot, who stands at the front and helps with balance and safety. Depending on the stunt and the rules for the level, a group may also have additional spotters. Spotting means watching and being ready to help, not just standing nearby.

Tumbler

A tumbler performs gymnastics-style skills such as cartwheels, round-offs, back handsprings and more advanced passes. Some athletes mostly tumble. Others do both stunting and tumbling. Tumbling skills are taught in progression, and an athlete should only attempt a skill when a qualified coach says they are ready. Practice on proper surfaces and with supervision, not alone at home.

Other roles on the team

• Dancers and jumpers: every athlete contributes to jumps, dance and cheer sections, even when not stunting.
• Squad leader or captain: some teams name athletes who help lead warm-ups or set an example, as decided by the coach.
• Alternates: an athlete who learns several roles can step in when a teammate is out.

Qualified coaching and safety

Stunts need practiced teamwork and proper progressions. That is why parents should ask about coach qualifications before registering. Good signs include:

• Coaches who have completed recognized cheer safety training and keep current on the rules.
• Skills taught step by step, with spotting and appropriate surfaces.
• Groups that stay at their own level and do not skip ahead to impress an audience.
• A coach who welcomes questions and who pauses a skill when an athlete is nervous or unwell.

If your child is nervous about their role, say so. Many athletes try different roles before they find where they fit. Read how to prepare for cheer season for tryout tips, or check the terms guide for words you will hear at practice.