Cheer terms for new parents

How to use this glossary

Terms are listed roughly in the order you will meet them, from the basics of a routine to competition words. For how roles fit together, see cheer roles explained, and for how events work, read cheer rules for beginners.

Glossary

Sideline cheer

Cheering that supports another team at games with chants, signs and short performances.

Competition cheer

A sport in which teams perform a routine for judges against other teams.

Routine

The planned, choreographed performance a team presents, set to music and made up of several skill sections.

Count (eight-count)

The beat structure coaches use to teach choreography. A common unit is a set of eight beats, called an eight-count.

Stunt

A skill in which a group lifts and holds an athlete in the air.

Stunt group

The small team of athletes who perform a stunt together.

Base

An athlete who lifts and supports the stunt from the ground.

Flyer

The athlete who is lifted into the air.

Backspot

The athlete behind the stunt who helps lift it and keeps watch over the flyer as a key safety role.

Front spot

A spotter at the front of some stunts who helps with balance and safety.

Spotter

Someone watching a skill, ready to help if something goes wrong. Coaches also spot tumbling.

Load-in (mount)

The way the flyer is lifted into a stunt.

Dismount

The way a flyer comes down from a stunt, often caught by the bases and spotters, depending on the skill and level.

Cradle

A common dismount in which the flyer is caught by the bases and spotters.

Basket toss

A skill in which bases launch a flyer into the air, then catch them. Allowed only in some levels and settings.

Pyramid

A formation in which stunts are connected to one another.

Tumbling

Gymnastics-style skills such as rolls, cartwheels, round-offs and back handsprings.

Round-off

A tumbling skill that is like a cartwheel, but with a turn and a two-foot landing. It is often the start of a tumbling pass.

Back handspring

A tumbling skill in which an athlete jumps backward onto their hands and returns to their feet.

Toe touch

A jump in which the legs split out to the sides and the arms reach toward the toes.

Chant (cheer)

A short, rhythmic call-and-response used to lead a crowd.

Transition

The movement connecting one skill or formation to the next.

Division

The group of teams that compete against each other, usually set by age, skill level and team type.

Level

A measure of skill difficulty. The skills allowed at each level are set by the organization, so ask your program.

Scoresheet

The document judges use to score a routine. It differs between organizations.

Spotting

Watching a skill closely and being ready to help an athlete, which is why trained spotters are part of safe tumbling and stunting.

Progression

The step-by-step order in which a skill is taught, with each step mastered before the next.

Warm-up

The stretching and light movement at the start of practice that prepares the body for skills.

Tryouts

Sessions in which coaches see athletes' skills and decide on placement. Programs run them differently, and some place everyone.

All-star (club) team

A team run by a gym or club that focuses mostly on competition rather than supporting school games.

Words you may hear shouted

Coaches also use short commands during practice. Examples include calls to hit a motion tightly, to reset, or to freeze when something is wrong. If you hear a coach stop a group suddenly, that is normal and usually means safety or technique needs attention. Follow the coach's lead, and never take it as a sign that your child is in trouble.

Where to go next

If you are getting ready for a season, read how to prepare for cheer season. You can also browse our cheer page. Do not worry about memorizing everything: after a few practices, most of these words become second nature.