Quiz the Coach - I Wanna Be A Flyer

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not Quiz the Coach?

Hey Coach,
Hey coach, I'm an 8th grader at my school and next year I'll be trying out for the high school's cheerleading squad. I have previously cheered and I know what I'm doing. I'm tall, but I'm really thin and I only weigh 100 pounds. The high school squad is co-ed and I see the tall girls flying. I've always wanted to fly but when I ask my coaches, they laugh. I've gone up in stunts with my friends, but not with my squad. Do you think I'll be able to fly when I get to high school?
browneyedbaby88

Hey browneyedbaby88,
Flyers on cheerleading squads are often smaller girls because they're easy to throw, while the spotters and bases tend to be taller girls because they can ofter more protection and stability to a stunt. But a successful flyer requires many more skills and characteristics than simply the right body type.

Confidence - Believe you can fly. If you don't have belief in yourself, you won't succeed.

Stay Tight - Keep your hips and thighs tight. Don't push out with your legs, this could spread your bases apart.

Balance - Stay as stiff and straight as you can and let your bases help balance you.

Timing - Know what to do and when to do it. The flyer should know when the proper level has been reached to stick, hit or pull the stunt.

No fear - It's okay to be a little nervous but a flyer can't be afraid of heights or falling. Trust your bases to catch you and worry about performing the stunt correctly.

It's also important to remember that the flyer is one of the most sought-after positions in cheerleading because you they a chance to fly through the air and be the center of attention. It's the "glory position" - like the quarterback in football. But like football, cheerleading is a team sport. Just like a quarterback needs his offensive linemen so he doesn't end up on his butt on every play, a flyer needs good spotters and bases so they don't crash to the ground after every stunt. A good cheerleader should be able to fill any roll on the team whether it's as a base, a spotter or a flyer. Don't think you can't be a flyer because you're too tall or a coach laughed at the idea - but also be prepared to be a spotter if that's what's needed to make your squad stronger.

Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? Send it to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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