Pyramids are one of the most iconic cheerleading skills, involving team members stacking together in various multi-layered formations. They demonstrate a squad’s talent through precarious balances, synchronized transitions, and complex connections. While competitive cheerleading squads perform enormous pyramids with dozens of flyers, there are many foundational pyramid building blocks beginners can start perfecting.
Mastering basic two legger stunts, thigh stands, shoulder sits, single leg extensions, and pyramid construction tips will provide a strong base for advancing your skills safely. This comprehensive guide outlines how to begin practicing easy pyramid formations, drills to improve technique, and progressions to add more difficulty. With teamwork and dedication to fundamentals, your cheer squad will be stunning crowds in no time with these simple beginner pyramids!
Learn Simple Cheerleading Pyramid
Two Legger Pyramids
Two legger pyramids involve bases supporting flyers on both feet, creating a stable connection ideal for new cheerleaders. Flyers can stand upright, in a V-sit, straddle sit or perform platform poses while bases hold their ankles or thighs securely. Three great two legger pyramids to try first are:
- Two Leg Tower – One flyer in a two-foot prep extension is lifted above another flyer braced in a shoulder sit on the bases below. This teaches control maintaining posture in extended heights.
- Swedish Falls – Two flyers perform shoulder sits back-to-back, braced together for support. A third flyer thigh stands on the bases’ shoulders, working on centered balance.
- V-Sit Tower – A flyer executes a v-sit and sits atop the thigh stands of two bases. Underneath, another flyer performs a shoulder sit or prep. This combines sit and stand positions.
Beginners should focus on steady hand grips by bases, engaged core and leg muscles for flyers, and keeping everything stacked and aligned throughout transitions. Smoothly lowering to the ground and releasing stunts safely are also critical skills to develop.
Thigh Stands
Thigh stands involve a flyer standing upright on the upper thighs of two bases who firmly grip their feet. The flyer can perform poses like a platform, v-sit, or straddle sit on the bases’ legs. Three thigh stand pyramids to try are:
- V-Sit Tower – One flyer executes a v-sit balanced on thigh stands while a second flyer braces in front in a shoulder sit on the bases below. This combines sit and stand balancing.
- Platform Position – A flyer stands tall in a platform pose on one set of thigh stands. Another flyer balances atop their shoulders in a platform or sit pose. This stacks stand and platform positions.
- Straddle Sit Combo – A flyer in a straddle sit is supported on thigh stands while another flyer braces them from the front in a shoulder sit or prep. This teaches control during front-to-back connections.
Thigh stand drills should focus on bases keeping knees together and hands firmly around feet. Flyers strengthen balancing skills engaging core muscles. Spotters help stabilize transitions between thigh stand variations.
Shoulder Sits
Shoulder sits involve a flyer sitting atop the shoulders of a base. The base’s hands support the flyer’s ankles or shins as they sit upright. Simple shoulder sit pyramids to try first are:
- Extension Prep – A flyer in a shoulder sit holds the foot of an elevated flyer performing an extension prep, controlling the overhead connection.
- Liberty Position – A liberty flyer sits atop shoulder stands instead of being held by bases’ hands, developing balance.
- Stretch Position – A top flyer executes a bow and arrow or full stretch while the bottom flyer shoulder sits, bracing the tower.
Bases should reinforce hand positioning below ankles and support flyers’ backs as needed. Flyers engage core muscles to hold upright shoulder sit postures. Spotters assist balancing to prevent connections losing alignment.
Single Leg Stunts
Single leg stunts involve flyers elevated on just one foot in the bases’ hands. This requires exceptional balance and control. Basic single leg pyramids are:
- Heel Stretch – A flyer executes a heel stretch on one leg while a second flyer climbs to perform a liberty prep on the opposite free foot.
- Arabesque Brace – One flyer stabilizes in an arabesque on a single foot while another flyer in a shoulder sit braces them from the front.
- Scale Combo – A scale flyer stands atop the shoulders of a base who thigh stands another flyer in a straddle sit or v-sit below.
Flyers should initiate balancing on the ground first to reinforce proper muscle engagement and postures. Bases support and stabilize transitions with firm hand grips. Spotters help flyers find the sweet spot for centered balance above the bases’ hands.
Pyramid Building Tips
Use these tips when constructing beginner pyramids:
- Maintain constant communication between all members calling cues and checks. Verbalize transitions prior to executing.
- Build performances slowly starting with lower-level connections. Progressively increase height and complexity over multiple practices.
- Drill each formation transition smoothly on the ground first before attempting any stunt.
- Practice clean dismounts and cradling flyers safely back to the ground.
With conditioned technique, synchronized teamwork, and progressive skill development, your squad will be topping pyramids in no time! Start small and simply execute these basic cheerleading pyramids to establish confidence and strength for increasing complexity. The journey to towering pyramids begins with a single base, flyer, and spotter successfully combining their practice and passion.