Full Down Trouble

[fcmscheerleader]

On my old competitive cheerleading squad, I was told I had a pretty good full down. My coach loved it. The only problem:I can't open my arms for the catch. It was fine on that squad, but because I'm going to be a flyer on my middle school squad, were expected to do full downs, and soon start double downs. Any tips on how not to keep my arms in, and learn how to open them so my back spot can grab me? Or would keeping my arms inclosed be acceptable.

Thanks!

[jbaker]

fcmscheerleader:  Opening your arms really depends on your base group. I actually have my flyers keep their arms in usually so that they can do the double. For the double, make sure you pull at the top of the cradle and continue pulling until you are at the front of the cradle for the second time. And also make sure you dont pull your shoulders down but initiate pulling upwards.

[Pauliana]

I agree, if your form is good except for the open arms, I wouldn't worry about it. It's much better for your bases if you aren't trying to flail your arms in an attempt to catch yourself. Once you get more experienced with the fulls and doubles, the opening will come, I'm sure. Good luck!

[RPCmme]

If you're looking for an easy way for the back spot to catch you to end a full-twisting cradle, try catching your bases' shoulders that are closest to your back spot.  You don't need to open your arms very much at all (keep your elbows close to your torso), but it creates a little room for the back spot.  Also, it keeps you safe, because you're catching yourself on your bases.

That nice, tight arms through the twist is desirable (most novice twisting flyers try to rotate like a helicopter--ouch!), so good job!  Just work on grabbing at the last second.  As you complete the twist and really crunch your abs to pike for the end of the cradle/catch, cup those bases' shoulders. 

[BucsCheer14]

I have this problem also. I'm just afraid that I'm going to end up hitting my bases in the face if I try to... So I don't.