Sponge
Also known as: Load-in, Smush
Sponge is a low, transitional position where the flyer's feet are held at the bases' waist level with their knees bent. It acts as the spring-loaded starting point to launch into higher stunts, as well as a safe absorbing position to catch a flyer coming down.
Safety first. Cheerleading skills carry real risk of injury. Train only with a qualified coach, use proper spotting and matting, and never attempt a skill unsupervised or before you are ready. This page is a reference, not coaching.
This page is a work in progress — know this skill? It still needs:
Technique
The Flyer: Places their hands securely on the bases' shoulders, keeping their feet tightly together and knees bent to load their weight efficiently without pulling down on the bases.
The Bases: Cup the flyer's feet at hip level, keeping their backs completely straight and knees bent to absorb the flyer's weight and prepare to drive upward.
The Backspot: Grips the flyer's ankles or hips from behind, supporting the flyer's weight and keeping them centered over the bases.
Safety notes
To prevent lower back and knee strain, bases must keep their spines upright and use their legs, rather than their backs, to absorb and propel the weight of the flyer.
Prerequisites
None — this is a foundational skill.