In All-Star Cheerleading, every stunt is made up of several important roles. One of these roles is called the ‘side base’. A side base is a cheerleader who helps lift, hold, and stabilize the flyer (the athlete who goes up in the air). Without side bases, stunts would be neither safe nor successful.
A typical stunt group in All-Star Cheer includes two main bases (a main base and a side base), a backspot, and a flyer. The side base works very closely with the main base to make sure the flyer stays balanced and secure while up in the air. Even though both bases help hold the flyer, they each have different jobs and positions.
The side base usually stands on the flyer’s left side (though this can change depending on how the stunt is set up). If you’re looking at a stunt group from the front, the side base would be on the left of the flyer, and the main base would be on the right. Together, they each support one foot of the flyer.
While the main base focuses more on supporting the middle of the flyer’s foot, the side base usually holds more toward the front or toes of the foot. This helps keep the flyer level and prevents tipping forward or backward. The side base also helps control any twisting or turning in the stunt.
Being a good side base takes a lot of strength, coordination, and trust. A side base needs to have strong arms and legs to lift and hold the flyer, but they also need quick reflexes and focus. If the flyer loses balance or something unexpected happens, the side base needs to react fast to keep everyone safe.
Side bases also need to have good timing and teamwork. They must work in perfect sync with the main base, backspot, and flyer to make the stunt work. Communication is key—often, cheerleaders use short verbal cues or just eye contact to stay connected during the stunt.
Safety is always the top priority in All Star Cheerleading. That’s why side bases practice proper techniques for lifting, catching, and spotting. They keep their arms and hands in the right positions and always watch the flyer closely. If the stunt starts to fall, the side base is ready to catch or guide the flyer down safely to the floor.
Side bases are involved in all types of stunts—from basic two-foot lifts to advanced one-leg stunts and twisting dismounts. In harder stunts, they may also help switch grips mid-air or perform quick movements to help the flyer hit different positions. This makes the side base’s job not only important but also very challenging.
A side base in All Star Cheerleading is one of the athletes who lifts and supports the flyer during stunts. They are responsible for holding one of the flyer’s feet, helping keep the stunt balanced, and reacting quickly to any changes. Their role is physically demanding and requires strong teamwork, focus, and safety skills. Without side bases, stunts would not be possible—and definitely not safe. They are an essential part of every All Star Cheer team and routine.
