How to do a bluebird lift?

A bluebird lift is a technique used in competitive cheerleading that involves lifting and tossing a flyer (the person being lifted) into the air. It requires strength, coordination, and practice between the bases (the people doing the lifting) and the flyer. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of how to properly execute a bluebird lift.

What is a Bluebird Lift?

A bluebird lift is a cheerleading stunt in which two bases use their hands to toss a flyer into the air in an arc motion. The flyer starts in a cradle position, where they are sitting in the bases’ hands with their legs wrapped around the bases’ waists. On the count, the bases will dip down and then explosively push up, launching the flyer up into the air in a continuous back arch. The flyer remains in the back arch position throughout the entire toss and rotation. They are caught by the bases in the original cradle position once they complete a 360 degree rotation through the air.

The bluebird lift gets its name from the flyer’s body position resembling a bluebird in flight. When done correctly with a full rotation, it creates beautiful lines and requires immense strength and skill from both the flyer and the bases.

Equipment Needed

To safely perform a bluebird lift, the following equipment is recommended:

• Cheerleading mats – Provide safe landing surface and cushioning in case of falls
• Spotters – Additional people surrounding the stunt to provide extra security and support
• Grips – Special gloves to help the bases grip the flyer’s shoes
• Athletic tape – To wrap wrists for support and avoid excess strain

The flyer should wear cheer shoes to provide traction on the bases’ hands during the toss and rotation. The bases and back spotter should wear supportive athletic shoes as well.

Step-by-Step Process

When learning a bluebird lift, it is important to master each step and use spotters before attempting the full toss with rotation:

1. Bases and flyer get set in cradle position – The bases stand shoulder width apart, slightly bending their knees. The flyer stands between the bases facing the same direction and sits into their cradled hands, wrapping their legs securely around the bases’ waists for support.
2. Gather momentum in the dip – Keeping the flyer’s body tightly against their own, the bases will bend and straighten their legs to create momentum. They dip down by bending their knees and explode back up to a straight stand.
3. Launch the flyer on the pushup – As the bases push back up from the dip to a straight stand, they use this momentum to launch the flyer up into the toss. The flyer helps give the extra push by jumping up from the bases’ hands.
4. Flyer hits a continuous back arch – At the peak of the toss, the flyer hits a tight continuous back arch, keeping their chest lifted and legs straight and together.
5. Full rotation – The flyer maintains the locked arch while doing a full 360 degree rotation at the peak of the toss.
6. Caught safely in cradle – The bases track the flyer during the entire toss. They move into place to recatch the flyer on their descent, landing back in the original cradle position.

Training Drills and Techniques

It takes a lot of practice and drilling to master the timing and technique of a bluebird lift. Here are some key training exercises to do:

Base Drills

• Dip and drive – Practice the dip and explosive push up for the launch without a flyer, focusing on using the legs to generate power.
• Arm positioning – Get the proper hand placement underneath the flyer’s shoulders down solidly. Keep elbows tight into the sides.
• Cradle catch – Toss a weighted bag and practice safely catching it in the cradle position.

Flyer Drills

• Back arch – Lay on the ground in a back bridge and work on getting a tight continuous arch by engaging the core muscles.
• Leg positions – Lay on the back with legs vertically lifted and practice squeezing the legs together in various shapes – pencil straight, split shape, hollow body shape.
• Rotation control – Do alternating single leg lifts from a back bridge to strengthen the core and get used to the feeling of rotating through the spine in a back arch.

Full Lift Walkthrough

Putting all the pieces together with bases, flyer, and spotters – walk through the timing of the dip, launch, arch, rotation, and cradle. Go through each phase slowly at first focusing on the technique, then gradually increase to full speed. Use mats and spotters until the lift is consistent.

Common Mistakes

It’s important to be aware of these common mistakes when first learning a bluebird lift to avoid forming bad habits:

• Bases bending arms during the dip and drive – Keeping arms straight and elbows tight channels more power from the legs.
• Flyer leaving the cradle too early – The flyer should stay tucked until the bases fully extend from the dip for maximum lift.
• Breaking the back arch – The flyer must keep their core and legs tight throughout the toss, a common mistake is letting the back arch break.
• Rotation off axis – The flyer should go straight up and rotate right around the spine, not drifting to one side.
• Flyer landing incorrectly in the cradle – They must land in the original tucked cradle position, not seated or leaning backward.

Safety Tips

When first learning bluebird lifts, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Master basics first – Get simple toss skills and extensions solid before progressing to the more advanced bluebird.
• Use spotters – Have spotters surround the stunt during the learning process until the timing and technique is consistently good.
• Work on proper technique – Never sacrifice form and body control for additional height.
• Perform on a mat – Always have a cheerleading mat or other soft landing surface for any lift attempts and failures.
• Consider flyer size – Make adjustments based on a flyer’s height and weight relative to the bases. Lighter flyers may need more power from the bases.
• Listen to feedback – If a coach identifies any poor technique or other issues, fix them right away before attempting the lift again.
• Don’t overwork – Stop any lift drills before excessive fatigue sets in, which can lead to sloppy technique and injury.

Conclusion

Mastering a bluebird lift take a lot of strength, control, and practice. But with a step-by-step progression, safety precautions, and proper technique, it can be performed successfully. Consistent training with the right body positions will help to hone the timing between the flyer and bases. This will result in a beautiful, synchronized bluebird lift that showcases teamwork and athleticism.