The Bow and Arrow cheerleading stunt is an advanced skill that requires a great deal of both flexibility and balance in the air. Proper execution of the Bow and Arrow stunt is characterized by the top cheerleaders’ ability to gracefully master a vertical split in which the toe or heel of the extended leg is held within the opposite hand, followed by stretching the free arm horizontally past the extended leg. When done properly and in good form, the flyer’s belly will naturally curve like a bow, hence the given name for this stunt is fitting and aims to be quite literal-the more limber, the better. Keep in mind the bow and arrow is more difficult than a heel stretch or liberty due to the cheerleader being required to change the hand that is holding the foot, while placing the other arm in front of the extended leg. Don’t let the increased difficulty bog you down though. Whether being introduced to this skill for the first time or experienced, we have the answers and training aids to make the bow and arrow stunt attainable with greater ease, safety and adeptness for all cheerleaders striving to conquer a bow and arrow that other squads will bow down too!
Cheerleaders must stretch before practicing or performing a bow and arrow. Failing to stretch can easily cause a muscle strain or other types of injury. If you’re a newbie to the bow and arrow, practice pulling the scale while lying on the ground or using a stable object for support while standing upright. The technique should be practiced every day once the cheerleader has attained the flexibility required to pull and stabilize a proper bow and arrow on the ground. For safety reasons, a bow and arrow 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 technique 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 in order to achieve a flawless bow and arrow from start to finish. For even greater improvement, seek feedback from a coach or other cheerleading critique and whole-heartedly put expert advice into action. It may take a lot of practice to balance the bow and arrow properly, but it will come with time and persistence. Be patient with yourself as you follow the steps below.
Having already covered how cheerleaders on top can properly fulfill their position during a bow and arrow stunt, the following steps are provided to include all positions of the stunt group and the roles they play during the execution.
Increasing flexibility and balance are vital training for cheerleaders who strive to master the bow and arrow. There is no shortcut to become skilled in the areas of flexibility and balance - it takes hard work! - and a bow and arrow is impossible without those 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 bow and arrow 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 bow and arrow, 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 Moysource 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, especially the bow and arrow.
