The Cheerleading Dictionary

Base: the cheerleader on the bottom of a partner stunt/pyramid

Top: the cheerleader on the top of a partner stunt/pyramid

Spotter: the person who is responsible for assisting and catching the top person in a partner stunt/pyramid

Step-up drill:  the most basic stunting drill; top person steps up onto a base's lunged leg

Shoulder straddle: stunt in which top person sits on a base's shoulders

Shoulder stand: stunt in which top person stands on a base's shoulders

Thigh stand: stunt in which top person stands on two bases' lunged thighs

Elevator: timing stunt in which top person stands with each foot in the hands of a base at shoulder level

Elevator Extension: "second level" of an elevator; top person stands with each foot in the hands of a base with arms extended;  See elevator technique

Pop cradle: dismount from a stunt in which the base/bases toss the top person straight up from a stationary stunt and then catch her in a cradle position.

Liberty: stunt in which the base/bases holds one foot of the top person while she lifts her other foot up to her knee in a bent position.

Heel Stretch: variation of a liberty; stunt in which the base/bases holds one foot of the top person while she holds the other foot in an elevated stretch position with her same hand.

Arabesque: variation of a liberty; stunt in which the base/bases holds one foot of the top person while she extends the other leg behind her, making a 90 degree angle with her standing leg.

Basket toss:  toss by a maximum of four bases of a  top straight up in the air so as to execute a skill (toe touch, back tuck, etc.) and then land back in a cradle position.

Full Twist Cradle: variation on a pop cradle; dismount from a stunt in which the base/bases toss the top person straight up from a stationary stunt, the top person performs a full turn in the air, and then the bases catch her in a cradle position. 

Transition: a skill that connects two stunts together.

Double take: a transition that connects two stunts by taking the top person back to the load-in position for an elevator to another stunt.

Load-in Position: the two foot entry position for an elevator; a hang drill

360 Elevator: a variation on the double take in which the top girl does a full turn in the air in between stunts while staying in contact with the bases.