The Liberty, also known as a lib, is a basic skill cheerleading stunt that requires a great deal of core and hip strength to achieve the stability and balance it takes to stick this one-legged cheerleading stunt in the air with proper posture and poise. Typically, the liberty stunt is performed with a flyer, two bases, and a back spot but on advanced or coed teams, this stunt can be performed by a flyer and just one base. Execution of the Liberty stunt is characterized by the top cheerleaders’ ability to gracefully balance on one leg, lifting the free leg and placing the arch of the foot directly next to the knee on the balancing leg. This cheerleading stunt may be considered basic but it lays the foundation for more advanced stunts, such as the heel stretch, arabesque and scorpion. With that being said, there is no question that properly executing the liberty stunt in the air is imperative for a cheerleader’s future growth and success. Therefore, cheerleaders should focus a great deal on achieving exceptional alignment of the hips while pulling this stunt in the air and be able to solidly hold it with proper form for extended periods of time. A lack of focus on the positioning of the body in the air during one-legged stunts creates a sloppy and weak foundation but more importantly can cause cheerleaders to experience a lack of symmetry, and create a decrease in overall balance over time. In order to achieve this rock solid liberty we speak of, we have provided our step-by-step approach to performing one below. In addition, cheerleaders can learn more about utilizing the Myosource Kinetic Bands to quickly and safely attain increased strength, flexibility and powerfully enhance the sport specific skills they need to acquire for a unique flair and a liberty that lights up the competition.
Cheerleaders must stretch before practicing or performing a liberty. Failing to stretch can easily cause muscle strain or other types of injury. Cheerleaders who are introducing themselves to the liberty can work on flexibility and form by practicing this skill on the ground using a stable object for support. For example, try placing the hand that is on the same half of the body as the standing leg on a dresser or a higher surface. If the standing leg is your right leg, then hold on to a surface with the right hand. For safety reasons, a liberty should be mastered on the ground prior to attempting the skill in the air. Practicing on the ground gives cheerleaders the opportunity to recognize and fix any issues regarding form or lack of balance before taking it safely to the air. Cheerleaders can also practice in front of a mirror to visually see for themselves what needs to be corrected or tweaked. When using a mirror, cheerleaders should aim to achieve proper foot placement of the lifted leg while keeping the hips stable and aligned. Master the liberty with exceptional balance by listening to your body as you perform the following steps below.
Having already covered how cheerleaders on top can properly fulfil their position during a liberty, the following steps are provided to include all positions of the stunt group and the roles they will play during the execution.
Increasing flexibility and balance are vital for cheerleaders who strive to master the liberty and set the solid groundwork that will be critical for more advanced stunts. There is no shortcut to become skilled in the areas of flexibility and balance and liberty is impossible without both of these techniques.
Myosource Cheer Kinetic Bands provide a great opportunity for both cheerleading bases and flyers to build strength in the legs, hips, and core. The resistance provided by the bands will help increase the flexbility and balance of cheerleaders, making it easier to perform a liberty with stability for an extended period of time. Myosource Kinetic Bands will also proliferate the momentum and endurance cheerleaders need to perform safe and successful cheerleading stunts like the liberty, Cheerleaders can improve their individual skillset by warming up, stretching, and practicing while wearing the Myosource Kinetic Bands. Cheerleaders will quickly reap the benefits that come from using the resistance to target, challenge and strengthen the essential muscles needed to powerhouse a stunt from start to cradle.
The Flexibility Stunt Strap is included in our Myosource Cheer Kinetic Bands pack and is a great stretching and warm-up tool used by cheerleaders to increase their flexibility, as well as provide them with a greater range of motion, for better jumps, stunts, and tumbling. The Flexibility Stunt Strap is designed to help cheerleaders stretch without putting any unnecessary stress on the joints and provides immediate guaranteed results. These inexpensive and easy-to-use stretching straps are extremely helpful for flyers trying to perfect certain stunts like the liberty.
