As with pretty much every team sport, every person on a cheer team has an important job. One of the most important roles in the stunting portion of cheer routines is the backspot. This person stands at the back of the stunt group and helps keep everything safe and steady. While the flyer is the one up in the air and the bases lift her, the backspot is the one who helps control the stunt from behind.
The main job of the backspot is safety. When a flyer is lifted into the air, it can be dangerous if the stunt falls. The backspot watches everything closely and is ready to catch the flyer if anything goes wrong. Backspots must be strong, alert, and ready to move fast. They help make sure the flyer does not fall hard or get hurt.
Another important job for the backspot is lifting and supporting the flyer. During most stunts, the backspot holds the flyer’s ankles or calves and helps lift them up at the same time as the bases. This gives the flyer more support and helps the stunt stay balanced. The backspot also helps push the flyer into the air during tosses, using strong arms and good timing.
The backspot helps control the timing and stability of the stunt. They often count out loud or help the group stay on beat with the music. If everyone lifts at the same time, the stunt looks clean and sharp. If the timing is off, the flyer can wobble or fall. That’s why backspots must be focused and know the routine well.
Backspots also help guide the dismount, or the way the flyer comes down from the stunt. Whether the flyer is doing a simple step down or a twist, the backspot helps catch and lower her safely. They often grab the flyer’s waist or underarms to help guide her back to the ground. This is another time when safety is very important.
In more advanced stunts, the backspot might have to adjust their grip quickly, move with the stunt, or even catch a falling flyer from the front or side. They must always be watching and ready. This takes a lot of practice and quick reflexes.
To be a good backspot, you need a few key skills:
Strength – Backspots use their arms and legs to lift and catch.
Focus – They must watch closely at all times.
Communication – Backspots often call counts and help keep everyone in sync.
Responsibility – They are trusted to keep the flyer safe.
Even though the flyer gets a lot of attention for being in the air, the backspot is just as important. Without a strong and smart backspot, stunts can be unsafe or fall apart. Coaches rely on backspots to lead the stunt group and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Some people may think being a backspot is an easier job, but that’s not true. It takes just as much strength, skill, and practice as any other position. In fact, many coaches say backspots are the “eyes of the stunt” because they can see everything happening from behind and help fix any problems right away.
A backspot has a big job. They lift, support, balance, and catch the flyer. They help keep the stunt group on time and safe. They are one of the most critical parts of every successful stunt!
