The safe way to teach cheerleading stunts is by using an approach that stresses proper progressions, starting with mastery of beginner stunts before moving on to more advanced stunts. A double-base shoulder stand is a beginner-level stunt near the bottom of the progression list. It requires three cheerleaders but should have a spotter while it is being learned. Once consistent mastery of the stunt has been shown, a group of three cheerleaders can safely perform this at a game or in competition.
Bases
Step 1
Lunge toward each other with your inside feet overlapping and your toe even with the heel of the other base. Your inside leg should be bent with your knee over your ankle. Your outside leg should be straight with its toe pointing forward.
Step 2
Lift your outside arm in the air to grab the top person's hand. Dangle your inside arm behind your thigh.
Step 3
Grab the ankle of the top person when she steps onto you, straightening up with her as she climbs.
Step 4
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Grab the top person's calf with your inside hand and her toe with your outside hand.
Step 5
Let go of her toe and lift your hand to grab the top person's hand for the dismount. As she descends from the stunt, take your inside hand and grab her bicep, assisting with her landing.
Top Person
Step 1
Grab the outside hands of your bases.
Step 2
Place your foot into the pocket formed by the thigh and hip of your right base. Using a step-and-lock technique, push off the ground hard and step up onto her thigh, locking your knee completely before transferring any weight onto your left base.
Step 3
Step onto the shoulder of your left base. Gently and carefully place your foot so it is just in the middle of her shoulder. Push off your right base's thigh, again employing a step-and-lock technique to transfer your weight onto your left base. Do not place your foot on the right base's shoulder until you have locked your first leg.
Step 4
Settle your other foot onto the center of the right base's shoulder lightly. Pause to get your balance and center your weight between both bases.
Step 5
Let go of your bases' hands and hit the designated arm motion your coach has chosen.
Step 6
Grab your bases' hands for your dismount. Get a firm grip and steady yourself before dismounting.
Step 7
Transfer your weight onto your left base, lifting your right foot up and forward. Step down with that foot, landing in front of your bases with your feet together.