In All Star Cheerleading, a scale is a flyer body position performed during a stunt.
The flyer stands on one leg, grabs the foot of the free leg with the hand on the same side, and extends that leg out to the side at an upward angle.
The leg is held high but not pulled fully vertical, which is what separates a scale from a heel stretch.
A scale may look simple when an experienced flyer hits it, but it takes flexibility, strength, balance, and control to do it correctly.
How a Scale Fits Into Stunting
Scales are performed at the top of a stunt, such as an extension or a lib, while the bases and back spot support the flyer.
The flyer has to hold a tight, controlled position on one leg while the group keeps the stunt steady underneath.
Because the flyer is balanced on a single foot, a scale depends on the whole group working together: the flyer staying locked and aligned, and the bases and back spot holding a solid, level platform.
Scales also count as an advanced body position under many rule sets, alongside the arabesque, scorpion, and needle, so performing them cleanly can add to a team’s stunt score.
Scales vs. Similar Positions
Names vary from gym to gym, so it helps to know how the scale compares to related positions:
Heel stretch: the free leg is pulled straight up in front of the body.
Arabesque: the free leg extends behind the flyer, parallel to the floor, without being held.
Scorpion: the flyer reaches back and pulls the free foot up behind the head.
If your coach uses “scale” differently, follow their terminology.
What It Takes to Learn a Scale
Learning a scale starts with flexibility in the hips and hamstrings.
But flexibility alone isn’t enough.
Strength in the core and standing leg is what lets a flyer hold the position without wobbling, bending the supporting knee, or dropping the chest.
Balance and body awareness matter just as much.
In a stunt, the flyer has to stay tight, keep their weight centered over the base’s hands, and communicate with the group.
Technique and Safety
Proper technique matters more than how high the leg goes.
Athletes should never force a leg into a position that causes pain.
Warm up before working on flexibility skills, stretch in a controlled way, and progress gradually.
Coaches should focus on safe alignment first and height second.
Building Toward More Advanced Skills
A solid scale can be a foundation for harder positions like heel stretches, scorpions, and needles.
Hitting a scale doesn’t automatically mean a flyer is ready for the next skill, but the flexibility, strength, and control it builds carry over.
Scales aren’t just about showing off flexibility.
They show that a flyer can combine strength, balance, and technique while contributing to a stable stunt.
With consistent practice, good coaching, and a strong stunt group, athletes can develop this position and improve their overall stunting.
